June 2019 Global Traveler

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THE WELLNESS ISSUE BALI p. 68 GENEVA p. 64 LUXEMBOURG p. 62 MACHU PICCHU p. 72 MALDIVES p. 76 MELBOURNE p. 66 SEDONA p. 60 VIENNA p. 54

June 2019

letter from the editor ®

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief KIMBERLY KROL kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com

ROAD TO WELLNESS ACCORDING TO THE Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy is a $4.2 trillion market. Clearly, wellness is BIG business, so it’s no surprise the travel industry took notice and developed wellness offerings to appeal to and wow this segment. Today, also according to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism brings in $639 billion. We also took notice a few years ago, and that’s why we are pleased to unveil our third annual Wellness Issue this month. And it’s not just hotels and resorts with this focus. Airlines and airports jumped on the trend as well; Harriet Baskas shares more on those doing it well on page 40.

ROOTING FOR THE HOME TEAM: Wellness can, of course, take many different Katie Skrzek, Angelique Platas and Kimberly Krol at Citizens Bank forms. Perhaps you travel to hike, or maybe Park personal well-being means a spa weekend with PHOTO: © KIMBERLY KROL no technology. If tennis or squash is more your thing, you probably look to hotels and resorts with those amenities to bring your wellness options on the road with you. I met a man on a recent cruise who, as a frequent cruiser, rises every morning before dawn to walk the decks of the cruise ship. It could be seeking destinations with temperate climates and tons of green space. However you define it, we’ve identified some of the best wellness destinations around the globe on the following pages.

For me, I incorporate wellness into my travels as a way to enjoy the outdoors. I’ve hiked in Los Angeles while in town for an event, I book hotels along the South Beach walking and running path when in Miami for business for early-morning walks, and I try to decompress with a spa treatment whenever possible. Finding a way to get out on the water is also always a method of wellness for me.

And I like to seek out something different, in which my colleagues Katie Skrzek and Angelique Platas often join me, especially when it comes to yoga. We’ve down-dogged from coast to coast, in gardens, overlooking the ocean, on rooftops and on the baseball diamond at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Let the wellness journey begin with stops in Cape Town, Vienna, Sedona, Luxembourg, Geneva, Melbourne, Bali, Peru and the Maldives. Next month we highlight another area where people seek relaxation as we look at some of the best beach towns in the United States. Until then, namaste!

Vice President/Digital Director KATIE SKRZEK katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor JANICE HECHT jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor ANGELIQUE PLATAS angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Assistant Editor ERICH J. MARTIN erich.martin@globaltravelerusa.com News Editor ALLIE MOORE allie.moore@globaltravelerusa.com Editor at Large HOLLY RIDDLE holly.riddle@globaltravelerusa.com

ART Art Director TRACEY CULLEN tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer CHRISTOPHER P. OTTAUNICK christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor VANCE PICCIN

COLUMNISTS

WRITERS

KRISTY ALPERT MARGARET BACKENHEIMER J.D. BROWN MARK CHESNUT EUNICE FRIED MARY B. GALLAGHER JACK GUY ALLIE MOORE

KRISTY ALPERT HARRIET BASKAS RON BERNTHAL TERESA BITLER DEBRA BOKUR JACK GUY BECCA HENSLEY ILONA KAUREMSZKY IRVINA LEW SHERYL NANCE-NASH IRENE RAWLINGS JAN SCHRODER

ete bios, For compl a.com travelerus al ob gl t visi

CIRCULATION Specialists JOHN WROBLEWSKI, LOUIE ATSAVES Managers JAYHAWK EVANS, MARK P. FORD, TERESA JACKSON, ANTHONY “SCRAPS” DIMERA Circulation Director MICHELE SHANNON Circulation Manager ANNA PUDZIANOWSKI Research Consultant SHARON STERNE

asts Sedona bo 40 more than r venues fo showcasing rary contempo crafts arts and Native as well as arts.

American e Learn mor ona about Sed . on page 60

ADVISORY BOARD Chairman MICHAEL DONAHUE, COO MICHAEL KIELY, President CARLOS CAPPUCCIO, Executive Vice President GARY OSWALD, Deputy Vice President Aviation EDWARD JEFFERSON, Deputy Vice President Accommodations STEPHEN DOHERTY, Deputy Director Destinations WAYNE TALLMAN, Vice President Special Events/Photography CHRISTOPHER OTTAUNICK, Secretary MARK LANE, Research Director FRANK LOVERME, Treasurer KEVIN RYAN, Director of Technology BOB HANCOCK, Director of Digital Advancement JARED TORGAN GENERAL COUNSEL THOMAS F. GOLDMAN

KIMBERLY KROL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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letter from the publisher ® ®

TAKING IT EASY

CHEERS!:

Francis celebrating another successful Wines on the Wing event with GT staff PHOTO: © THE ADRIANNE PHOTO

SUMMER PROVES TO be a growing segment for business and luxury travelers. It used to be a slower time, but premium-class travelers now extend their trips into the season, often combining business with vacation side trips for some R & R. Spas, golf and great destinations await at every corner of the globe, and GT readers take advantage of these opportunities. I know this

because many of you have told me of your adventures.

Last month I attended the Global Traveler annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition and after-party at City Winery in New York. The best of the best in wine gathered for our blind judging in which a record number of airlines participated, submitting wines they serve on first- and business-class flights. We will announce the results in the August issue. You may not choose airlines based on their wines, but it serves as another benchmark of the attention they pay their top travelers.

In the evening after the official judging, we welcomed clients and friends to sample some of the residual wines from the competition, offering amateur wine lovers the opportunity to see what wines are served by which airlines. It was an amazing get-together, and I cannot thank the team at City Winery enough for their hospitality and professionalism. Those from Global Traveler involved with Wines on the Wing have nothing but wonderful things to say about the team there. I have attended many events at City Winery, and the staff always performs at the top of their game.

I have to say “thank you” to Eunice Fried, GT’s wine consultant, for organizing the judging, categorizing the wines by flight and tabulating the scoring. Eunice and I have worked together for countless years, long before GT was established, and she is by far the best in the business and a wonderful individual. Cheers to Eunice on her 16th Wines on the Wing!

This issue offers an excellent example of our eclectic destinations, from Cape Town to Bali to the Maldives. Next month will bring another exciting issue plus our annual Global City Guidebook, while August marks our bonus distribution at the Global Business Travel Association conference in beautiful Chicago.

We look forward to the opportunity at GTBA to see what new concepts are in store for luxury travelers from the world’s airlines and hotels.

Thanks for being a part of our success!

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contents

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FEATURES

BUSINESS DESTINATIONS

40 Winging to Wellness Passengers benefit as airports and airlines focus on the healthy travel trend.

54 Destination One: Vienna Vienna strikes just the right note for business and well-being.

46 Sweet Dreams Get a good night’s sleep at properties promoting true rest and relaxation.

60 Stateside: Sedona Reconnect with nature in picturesque and peaceful Sedona.

49 Sun-Splashed City New waterfront projects enhance Cape Town’s allure for meetings.

62 9–5: Luxembourg Get to know clients in well-connected Luxembourg City.

64 After 5: Geneva Buttoned up by day, Geneva knows how to unwind after work.

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June 2019

THE WELLNESS ISSUE BALI p. 68 GENEVA p. 64 LUXEMBOURG p. 62 MACHU PICCHU p. 72 MALDIVES p. 76 MELBOURNE p. 66 SEDONA p. 60 VIENNA p. 54

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SOME CHEFS COOK THEIR BEST AT 30.000 FEET

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LIFESTYLE

CONNECTIONS

LEISURE DESTINATIONS

26 Technology 28 Wine & Spirits 30 Wealth 31 Tours 32 Spas 34 Golf 36 Chefs 38 Cruising 79 LGBTQ+ 81 Health

10 Mail Call 13 News 16 Reviews 21 One on One EgyptAir 22 One on One Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 80 Airport Update 82 Preview

66 Neighborhoods: Melbourne Melbourne’s first suburb evolves into a hipster heartland.

68 Friends & Family: Bali Take time to recharge with the island’s wealth of wellness offerings.

72 Bucket List: Machu Picchu Embark on a journey to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

76 Kicking Back: Maldives Be lulled into repose and relaxation in the Maldives.

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FX E X P R E S S

P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .

Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material.

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mail call Q&A WITH GLOBAL TRAVELER

Q&A WITH RICHARD EVANS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

In April, our annual Green Issue, we discussed finding new green spaces to visit every time we travel for work. This inspired the question: Do you seek out gardens and parks or have a natural curiosity about urban locations that have been transformed within the city/destination you are visiting? If so, what cities are your favorites?

JENNIFER NEWMAN, via email I love finding green spaces in cities I visit. Even if it’s just a quick walk at some point during the day, seeing something resembling a natural landscape in the middle of a built-up city is like a restart button for me.

JACKSON WILLARD, via email

GETTING SUSPENDED In our April 25 issue of eFlyer Asia, we covered the temporary suspension of all Jet Airways flights. The State Bank of India announced the airline would not receive its request for

Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com

critical funding, and the airline was forced to shut down after 25 years of business. An avid reader wrote in with concerns: I am more concerned about my Jet Privilege on Jet Airways.

I am worried about my Jet Privilege miles, although the airline emailed us stating we shouldn’t worry at all.

GUY KRUH, from France and

route, inspiring a few readers to write in:

ops and diversifies, if at all, based on this new route.

This is an exciting new flight opportunity. I recently moved to Boston for work and wasn’t really sure about the airport’s abilities (I’m a New York native), but this partnership should be good for both sides. I look forward to taking advantage as soon as I can.

WILL CARPENTER, via email

Bolivia

LESLIE COLLINS, via email

BOSTON CALLING

I’ve flown a long-haul Delta flight and was not impressed.

Maybe this partnership will force it to up its game.

In our April 23 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed a new route connecting Boston (BOS) and Seoul (INC) and its potential to bring economic growth to the city of Boston. Korean Air and Delta Air Lines deploy the new

BRADLEY LON, via email It should be interesting to see how tourism in Boston devel-

KIDNAPPING RISK INDICATOR In our April 16 issue of eFlyer USA, we covered the U.S. Department of State’s new indicator to warn travelers about potential kidnapping risks when abroad. The new advisory indicator aims to warn travelers of the risks they face of kidnapping, hostage-taking and other abduction-based crimes by criminal and terrorist actors around the world — marked by a “K” on the travel advisory page for a specific country.

A few readers wrote in with thoughts:

CONTACT GT Do you have a story to share? Thoughts on a recent GT article? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com or write to Letters to the Editor, 310 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19067 Letters must be written exclusively to Global Traveler and must include your full name, mailing address and contact phone number. Letters become the property of Global Traveler.

We cannot respond to every letter. Global Traveler reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in Mail Call are not necessarily those of Global Traveler, and Global Traveler cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

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My husband and I have botanical garden memberships in our own area but still try to find new ones when we travel. It’s not always doable, depending on the location, but when we find a new space to explore, it’s always a fun way to spend the day.

This Wellness Issue makes me wonder whether readers share my travel interest in active outdoor pursuits, which include horseback trekking, biking and sailing. Two memorable horseback trips were a mounted safari in Kenya which allowed us to get quite close to the herd animals — they could smell the horses but not the humans, so they were accepting of us in their midst — and horseback trekking from farmhouse to farmhouse on our way to Siena, with the farmers’ wives providing wonderful Tuscan farmhouse cuisine.

I am curious to know what similar trips our readers experienced.

mail call

9–5 | CAPE TOWN

Captivating Cape Town This cultural crossroads provides endless opportunities for entertaining clients. BY MEREDITH BETHUNE JOHANNESBURG MAY HAVE THE REPUTATION as South Africa’s business capital, but Cape Town still offers plenty to those traveling for work. The Mother City, as it is commonly known, with its spectacular waterfront setting crowned by the famous Table Mountain, hosts conferences that attract visitors from around the world.

You’ll likely arrive at Cape Town International Airport, the second-busiest in South Africa and the thirdbusiest on the entire continent. Located just 12 miles from the city center, it experienced tremendous growth since opening in 1954. More than 10 million passengers

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passed through in 2016 — its busiest year yet.

Arranging a car service in advance proves the best way to get into town. Services like Centurion Tours and Citi Hopper greet you at the terminal and run about 270–360 South African rand ($20–27), depending on the number of passengers in the vehicle.

Uber is also thriving in Cape Town, so consider hailing a ride with the app if your smartphone works in South Africa. The Uber X service costs R146–189 ($11–15), while the more luxurious Uber Black should cost about R249–324 ($18–25).

The 20- to 30-minute ride (depending on traffic) along the highway takes you past some of South Africa’s infamous townships. Although the center of Cape Town is home to fewer than 435,000, the metro area boasts a population of more than 3.7 million.

Many live in these makeshift towns consisting of informal housing, a remnant from the days of apartheid, prohibiting non-whites from living in the city center.

Cape Town, though, is quickly moving on from those unfortunate days. As you approach the downtown area, you’ll immediately recognize the faces of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu currently installed on the façade of the Civic Centre. On a clear day, you’ll also spot the flat-topped Table Mountain in the background.

Suitable hotels are scattered around the Central Business District and along the waterfront, but the 12-story Townhouse Hotel offers an excellent option for business travelers with its downtown location near City Hall and South Africa’s Houses of Parliament. It boasts seven meeting rooms that accommodate up to 425 people, with its largest holding 300.

While your hotel likely includes full breakfast, you might want to organize a morning meeting offsite. Taxis don’t roam Cape Town’s streets, however, so use Uber or ask the concierge to arrange transportation for you. Hemelhuijs, a chic café by Chef Jacques

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ANGELA LEROY, via email I would be interested to know how this indication will change, if at all, tourism abroad. I’m not entirely convinced travelers will pay much attention.

RON GLEESON, via email This is a serious issue and goes completely unnoticed — or blatantly ignored — by many travelers. I, for one, am happy to know the [U.S. Department of State] is keeping an updated risk assessment available.

ABE REYNOLDS, via email I wonder how regularly this kind of indicator will be updated and based on

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what information. Should be useful.

ANDREW WHEELER, via email

VISA-FREE BRAZIL In our March 27 issue of eFlyer USA, we covered the recent decision to no longer require visas for American, Japanese, Canadian and Australian guests traveling in and out of Brazil. A few more readers wrote in with thoughts this month: I had to acquire a travel visa for a trip to Brazil last year and was really discouraged by the process. I will be glad to be rid of it if, and when, I decide to go back.

TREV PAUL, via email If Brazil is doing away with visa programs for tourists from specific countries, I wonder if other countries will.

If for no other reason than to attract business travelers, this could become a growing trend.

GREG ROSE, via email

globaltravelerusa.com Visit our website to access past and present articles, reports, guides, hot travel links and deals and video interviews, as well as forms for subscribing to the magazine and our eFlyer newsletters.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON GT BLOGS? Updated daily, our blogs offer readers an inside look at the lives and travels of the GT staff. Last month we featured blogs about everything from a vacation in Curaçao to a history trip to Washington, D.C.

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PARTICIPATE IN VOTING Visit our website to vote for your favorites in the 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey.

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It’s such a shame this is the world we live in today, but I’m glad to have some sort of indication and representation — especially for young travelers. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with, even if we don’t want to acknowledge the risks.

Available for iPhone and iPad, the GT app lets you search archives, read the current issue, bookmark favorites and more. Download the app today from the App Store.

news 2019’s Most Sustainable Travel Destinations

At this year’s ITB Berlin trade show in March, the World’s Top 10 Sustainable Destinations were announced. The winners were identified as destinations that are taking initiatives to preserve their natural and cultural heritage while encouraging visitors to do the same.

The winner of the ITB Earth Award was Palau, a small island known around the world for its sustainable initiatives, including asking visitors to take the “Palau Pledge” to protect the island.

European destinations taking home awards include Ljubljana, Slovenia (Best in Cities); Gozo, Malta (Best of Communities and Culture); and the entire country of Portugal, named Best in Europe.

Elsewhere, Chumbe Island, Tanzania, took home the Best of Africa award, while Bardia National Park in Nepal won the Best of Asia-Pacific award, and Galápagos National Park in Ecuador was also recognized. itb-berlin.com

BOEING SCALES BACK 737 PRODUCTION

As of mid-April, Boeing cut back on producing its 737 line of aircraft by 20 percent, decreasing its monthly output of 52 planes per month to 42 planes per month. At the time of print, Boeing’s 737 Max planes have been grounded with no estimated date of returning to the air.

This plan to scale back production retracts Boeing’s pre-existing initiative to increase production by 10 percent by mid-2019, with part manufacturers adapting to the rapidly changing pace of production. With this slowdown and stoppage of service, Boeing is projected to see losses of between $1.5 and $2.7 billion per month.

The aircraft manufacturing giant also formed a special board to review the current design and safety features following two deadly crashes that occurred just a few months apart. An extensive software review will be performed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, with other countries conducting their own separate reviews as well.

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Are Lie-Flat Beds Coming to Economy?

One of the top reasons to cash in your miles for a first-class ticket is to experience the luxury of a lie-flat seat, but economy passengers may also have such luxuries in their future.

On select flights, Thomas Cook Airlines now offers “sleeper seats,” a row of three normal seats that can be converted into a bed. Some passengers luck out and find a row to themselves, which they can sprawl across as they please, but for those who intentionally reserve three seats together for this purpose, Thomas Cook will take this luxury one step further by including a fitted sheet, pillow, blanket and amenity kit, with the armrests pushed even further out of the way.

The option to book three seats and create a sleeper seat became available May 13 on long-haul routes to destinations like Cancún, New York, Orlando and San Francisco, with one-way prices starting at $260. thomascookairlines.com

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news Global Wellness Summit Theme and Agenda

For the first time this year, the Carillon Miami hosts a Wellness Retreat Season that will bring wellness experts from around the world to the beachfront property to host various workshops and experiences for hotel guests.

The season began May 3 with a weekend-long workshop including guided meditations, yoga classes and the opportunity to access the spa’s Thermal Experience.

Wellness Retreat Season will last until November, with special events happening throughout, including a Tibetan Sound Healing retreat (June 7–9); an Awakening Self-Care retreat (June 21–23); and Beauty at Every Age, which will explore non-invasive beauty regimens with a local plastic surgeon (July 12–14 and Nov. 15–17).

Other events scheduled include Vibrant Health with Ayurveda, which will focus on improving digestion (Aug. 9–11), and the BeLove Labor Day retreat with relationship expert Dr. Carolina Pataky (Aug. 30–Sept. 2).

Fight Jet Lag with Etihad Airways’ App

The trend of airlines offering free in-flight WiFi to travelers rapidly caught on as airlines realized this once-exclusive and often fee-first amenity had gradually become a passenger expectation.

Throughout 2019 Air New Zealand will unveil a free WiFi service on its Airbus A320neo and A321neo planes, with the remainder of its older fleet receiving the service by the end of the year.

Other airlines recognizing this unbundling of services include Delta Air Lines (which announced a rollout within the next year or two), Southwest and Alaska Airlines, all three of which already allow passengers to message each other via iMessage, WhatsApp and Viber but have kept internet browsing as a paid service. Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines limit in-flight WiFi service by data usage and time.

When it comes down to fighting the inevitable energy drain that comes with time zone-crossing travel, it’s often an individual battle. To assuage each traveler’s unique jet lag experience, Etihad Airways introduced a helpful feature on its mobile app.

With assistance from Panasonic Avionics Corp., Etihad is testing the Jet Lag Advisor, a program that can track a traveler’s regular sleep patterns and circadian rhythms and take into account personal factors such as height and weight, plus trip details such as travel times, routes and destinations. Through artificial intelligence, the Jet Lag Adviser develops a plan that caters to individual needs and helps prevent the symptoms of jet lag.

As part of the Etihad app, the adviser will send push notifications throughout the duration of the flight reminding passengers to hydrate, providing advice on what to eat and when, and recommending times to turn the lights on or off.

airnewzealand.com

etihad.com

carillonhotel.com

The Latest Airlines to Offer Free WiFi

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Carillon Miami Welcomes Wellness Retreat Season

Planners of the 13th annual Global Wellness Summit announced this year’s theme, “Shaping the Business of Wellness: Asia,” celebrating the world’s fastest-growing wellness market.

The agenda features experts (including the CEO of Six Senses, the chairman of the IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group, founder of WildChina and CEO of Mori Trust) who will cover emerging business and investment trends in the travel and wellness industries.

With traditions and treatments that span millennia, Asia adopted the advancements of today’s technology to bring the East and West together to build a new future of wellness.

The 2019 Global Wellness Summit will take place Oct. 15–17 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

deals & rewards

AmEx Cards Offer Access to Delta Lounges

Hyatt Expands Loyalty Program

After its October 2018 acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality, Hyatt is expanding its loyalty program to include Two Roads’ network of 85 properties and additional brands.

Two Roads’ properties include brands such as Alila, Destination, Joie de Vivre, Tommie and Thompson Hotels, the latter of which became the first of the properties to join the World of Hyatt loyalty program as of late March.

Joie de Vivre followed shortly after, when 22 of its properties officially joined the program on May 15, with Alila and Destination properties to follow in the weeks after.

When the transition is complete, Hyatt expects to adopt a total of 60 Two Roads properties into its loyalty program, bringing World of Hyatt’s total participating properties to 775 hotels.

Delta Air Lines passengers who carry either the American Express Platinum Card or the Delta Reserve Card can access Delta Sky Club lounges at airports across the country.

These premium cards come with high annual fees but offer worthy travel benefits, including a reward of 40,000 Delta SkyMiles when spending a certain amount each year.

A difference between the two cards, however, is that the Platinum Card allows access to Centurion Lounges in the United States, Hong Kong and other global destinations soon to be added, as well as 11 global AmEx lounges. This card also offers automatic membership into the Priority Pass network of 1,200 airport lounges around the world, expanding cardholders’ options when traveling. americanexpress.com delta.com

PHOTOS: © CINDY’S AT THE CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, © AMERICAN EXPRESS, © CHASE

world.hyatt.com

New ‘My Millennium’ Loyalty Program

Bonus Categories from Chase

As Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimited cardholders know, each quarter comes with opportunities to earn extra cash back in different shopping

categories.

This month, when shoppers use one of these two Chase cards for purchases at grocery stores and home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes, they will receive 5 percent cash back, with a total spending limit of $1,500 throughout the quarter. Once the limit has been reached, the cash back amount will revert to the normal 1 percent.

Grocery purchases at stores such as Target or Wal-Mart are not eligible for this promotion.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts launched a new loyalty program that takes members back to the basics of travel rewards programs.

The London-based chain’s “My Millennium” program has only one membership level in an effort to simplify earning and redeeming and to make it easier for members to understand.

Members can earn 10 points for every dollar spent, and if a member spends a total of 10 nights in Millennium hotels, the earned points during those stays are doubled.

Points can be redeemed on a sliding scale for rooms, upgrades and partner options, the latter of which are fairly limited compared with other major loyalty programs.

chase.com

millenniumhotels.com/en/programmes/mymillennium

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LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL Reviewed by Carly Allen Arrival/Check-In: I have traveled to Seoul for years and have stayed at the Lotte Hotel Seoul often, as it’s centrally located, surrounded by business districts, museums and markets. But this trip was different; the Executive Tower at the Lotte Hotel is now fully open for guests after a complete renovation.

The Executive Tower’s exclusive entrance opens into the cream-marbled lobby where a dedicated Tower staff greets you and guides you up to the Sky Lobby for check-in. The enormous, brightly lit lobby offers plenty of seating areas and beverage service to enjoy while you quickly check in; I chose a hot oolong tea. The staff also asked how they could help with my stay, including booking dinners, museum tours and the like, which I found helpful to get my trip started.

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TOP TAKEAWAYS: ◆ The Executive Tower is the best experience for traveling for business in Korea. ◆ The staff throughout the property are friendly and helpful for all entertainment and business needs.

Services/Amenities: I took almost every meal during my stay at Le Salon, the lounge area for Executive Tower guests. It opens for breakfast, light snacks and tea in the afternoon, and cocktail service for happy hour. Since the area is exclusive, it’s a bit quiet, with a few businesspeople and small families coming through, making it a bit reserved for a solo traveler. However, the bustling staff at the cooking stations were kind, and the spread of dim sum for breakfast along with waffles made my mornings bright. For happy hour, I indulged in Champagne and charcuterie.

Private meeting boardrooms are available with full media services and catering. I took advantage of a room for a meeting and was impressed by the modern décor and assistance from the concierge, who helped with set-up and drink service.

The gym is shared between both towers but, honestly, is a trek to get to. However, its rows of state-of-the-art equipment, including a sauna for a cool-down treatment, will please any guest.

◆ The LG Styler to refresh my garments in-room was the best surprise.

LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu Seoul, South Korea tel 82 2 771 1000 lottehotel.com

PHOTOS: © LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL

Guest Quarters: My Junior Suite, located on an upper floor, opened into a long hallway of warm woods. I felt the mix of modern and classic luxury décor and color perfectly suited my style.

The brightly lit hallway held a mirror and large closet space with lots of extra cushioned hangers for my blouses, and the most interesting piece of technology I have seen in a hotel so far. The LG Styler looks like a slim fridge but actually can “Refresh Garments in Minutes with Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Steam Clothing Care System.” It was easy to use daily to refresh and steam my coats and anything else I wore that day. However, guests receive free ironing service for two garments, just in case. On the other side of the hallway a well-lit, gray-marbled bathroom featured a dual sink vanity with Dyptique amenities and a three-paneled mirror.

The frosted glass-enclosed shower area included a rainfall showerhead, one of my favorites, and a spa bathtub sat adjacent.

The room opened into a living area filled with natural light and city views. A large, modern chandelier highlighted the décor and provided great lighting over the seating area and large business-appropriate desk with extra international outlets for all your gadgets. Across the room a fully stocked bar offered American classics and local spirits as well. I spent most of my time working and lounging in this area.

A king-sized bed with plush linens dominated the bedroom and gave me an excellent night’s rest. An HD LG flat-screen TV sat across from the bed. The bright neon screens atop the buildings in the area give off some extra light at night, so I recommend using the blackout curtains.

GT tested

THE GARLAND Reviewed by Yasser Ogando

Arrival/Check-In: Flying out of a cold New York City, I landed at LAX at 5:40 p.m. It was tricky to find my Uber, and a lot of other travelers that Tuesday evening found themselves in the same predicament. The drive to the hotel took roughly one hour and 45 minutes, which many have told me was pretty good timing considering the distance and time of day in Los Angeles. I arrived at The Garland for my check-in, and the friendly and attentive front desk staff had me off to my room within six minutes.

PHOTOS: © THE GARLAND

Guest Quarters: I rushed to my room to drop off my bags and head back down to The Front Yard to meet my colleague for dinner.

We enjoyed a delicious meal and called it an early night in order to rest before our busy day of meetings. My “retro-cool” room proved convenient for my short business trip. It featured a king-sized bed, rustic white-brick walls and a bright lamp that almost rested on top of the desk. The desk was big enough for me to work on and also to enjoy the delicious spread that waited for me the next morning.

The pops of bright orange, the neat and bright bathroom shelf and mirror and the patterns of the curtains really made me feel like I was transported to a different era. The room included a minibar, a big-enough closet and a small balcony that overlooked the pool.

Services/Amenities: Husband and wife Beverly Garland and Fillmore Crank designed the hotel to reflect Hollywood’s glamour.

Later on, their son James redesigned The Garland to reflect the modern yet 1960s retro décor his parents envisioned. The hotel features cool patterns, a nice pool and hot tubs and entertainment for all. The impressive Ballroom was recently renovated by design

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The fitness center is well-equipped and always available. ◆ Guests can actually do their own laundry at their own pace and convenience in a laundry room.

team Forchielli Glyn; the $1 million project welcomes guests with innovative technology at the forefront of design. The hotel offers its guests the opportunity to host meetings and events in its private and spacious conference room. The Front Yard, the hotel’s main restaurant, also serves as room service; it’s open to the public and seems to be popular. The staff was extremely helpful and paid close attention to detail; I was surprised with delicious spreads each time I returned to my room from meetings.

◆ In late May the hotel launched two new wellness suites that include Peloton bikes and an interactive home gym for guests. Beginning this summer, The Garland offers meditation programming for its guests.

THE GARLAND 4222 Vineland Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91602 tel 818 980 8000 thegarland.com

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THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAL HARBOUR, MIAMI Reviewed by Stephanie Makowski

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Guest Quarters: The elevator doors opened to a small foyer with two doors, one for each suite. The elevators operate via key card access for added security. The one-bedroom suite boasted a sprawling layout fit for a queen or king. The entrance had a beautiful glass light fixture that reminded me of Murano glass I had seen in Italy.

The suite featured a mix of neutral tones and subtle aquatic design elements coupled with modern furniture and medium-deep-toned woods throughout. It offered a kitchen, full dining table, living room, desk area, powder room, queen-sized bedroom, walk-in closet, large tub with floor-to-ceiling windows (don’t worry — there are remotecontrolled curtains for the non-exhibitionist), a waterfall shower and two balconies with outdoor seating. The comfortable bed was made up in high-quality linens. A full stocked minibar was available along with three televisions. I was especially impressed by the television screen in the mirror of the bathroom — quite convenient. The suite’s accommodations were marvelous, and the space offered a

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◆ If you venture out to explore the shopping and restaurants in town, you can request a house car for pick-up from and drop-off to nearby hot spots.

serene escape. Both the bay and oceanfront sides of the suite offered spectacular views. This property truly allows one to re-center and enjoy a luxurious experience.

Services/Amenities: The hotel features a multitude of services to accommodate any need a guest may have. The resort spa, Exhale, has more than 10,000 feet of space and offers such experiences as fitness classes, massage, a couple’s suite and nail salon, all with sweeping views of the ocean for a truly Zen experience. Two on-site restaurants feature fresh and area-inspired cuisine. The Artisan Beach House proves a great option for a scrumptious breakfast to kick-start your day with made-to-order options or a buffet.

It also features a great bar area for an afternoon cocktail or lunch.

Water’s Edge, the poolside restaurant and bar, offers a convenient way to enjoy your time in the pool or stop by after a walk on the beach. The hotel sits right in the heart of the gorgeous Bal Harbour area; so whether one decides to stay on property or venture out, there is always something to do for the lucky traveler who stays at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour.

◆ Traveling with family? Ritz Kids is designed to delight the little ones traveling with you so you can have some time to relax yourself.

A variety of supervised programs offers parents a break. ◆ Reserve the Couture Concierge personalized shopping service to enjoy a shopping experience with Elysze Held, an exclusive in-house fashion expert and personal shopper for guests.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAL HARBOUR, MIAMI 10295 Collins Ave. Bal Harbour, FL 33154 tel 305 455 5400 ritzcarlton.com

PHOTOS: © THE RITZ-CARLTON BAL HARBOUR

Arrival/Check-In: I arrived in a rental vehicle after driving in from Miami International Airport which, for reference, is not a terrible commute to and from The Ritz-Carlton. The hotel’s structure towers high above the ocean’s edge, and a discreet driveway welcomes only the informed and invited. The hotel’s entrance offers privacy in a city which favors the vibrant and apparent, making it a welcome change of pace, as I was in town for many meetings and looking for a bit of peace. The valet service was seamless, and the doorman welcomed us to a gorgeous lobby filled with contemporary décor, marble and modern artwork. The front desk was informed, and a staff member escorted me to my one-bedroom suite. This particular property is unique because it features two large suites on each floor, offering exclusivity and plenty of room to entertain.

GT tested

ERMITAGE DU LAC Reviewed by Erich Martin

PHOTOS: © TREMBLANT

Arrival/Check-In: The journey to arrive in Mont-Tremblant from Laval was a substantial one. More than an hour of driving through snow and frigid wind brought us to a hotel at the base of Tremblant. The façade and presentation are charming and grand, and a quick step inside the lobby tells you the charming aesthetic is not limited to the exterior of the building.

We arrived in Tremblant relatively early in the morning. As a result, only a few of our party’s guestrooms were available. We left and took as much time as possible seeing Tremblant, having coffee in town and getting lunch. Even with all of this extra exploring, my room was not ready until it was nearly time for a severalhours-long hike down the mountain.

The wait could be attributed to our early arrival, but I wish I had a little more time to explore my accommodations before heading out for a night of adventure. The front desk could not give me an exact time to expect my room, so it was a lucky check that helped me realize it was available before the night’s activity.

Guest Quarters: As it turned out, the wait for the room was completely worth it. My suite-style accommodations included a full bathroom with a deep and accessible tub, a fireplace, a full sitting area, a half-kitchen and a great deal of space to stretch out and get work done between activities. The room offered plenty of space for relaxing while I recovered from intense winter activities.

As to the décor, it was a joy to spend time in the rooms. A single maroon accent wall brings out the wooden furniture and provides a pleasing break for the eye. The room artwork also pleased, while the fireplace and cabin-esque aesthetic made me feel like a traveler staying in a remote winter village.

The stylish living and sleeping quarters and sleek bathroom really helped to ease the transition of moving between three different hotels in the course of five days. On my final night in Tremblant, I stretched out on the couch with a book to pass some time before bed without feeling cramped.

Services/Amenities: Ermitage du Lac has many amenities and services necessary for a ski resort. It offers ski lockers, continental

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The close proximity of the hotel to the ski activities is perfect for rising early and hitting the slopes before it warms up in the afternoon. ◆ Mont-Tremblant offers great shopping and delicious dining within a five-minute walk of the hotel.

breakfast options (to allow for early risers) and a fitness room. In the warmer months an outdoor pool is open, but a hot tub is available all year-round. The hotel also features indoor parking, if you prefer; a game room; and limited meeting space, making the hotel a good bet for a small retreat.

What Ermitage du Lac does not have on its own, guests can find with a short venture into Mont-Tremblant village with its many shopping and dining options, with a walk of less than five minutes. The village also offers a convenient lift, bringing guests to more shops and the gondola, which goes to the top of the mountain for skiers and snowboarders.

◆ The accommodations are stylish, spacious and comfortable, perfect for stretching out after a strenuous day on the slopes.

ERMITAGE DU LAC 150 Chemin du Curé Deslauriers Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1C9 Canada tel 819 681 2222 lessuitestremblant.com

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LATAM AIRLINES | PREMIUM BUSINESS CLASS New York City (JFK) to Lima (LIM)

Reviewed by Erich Martin

On the Ground: It is safe to say John F. Kennedy International Airport on New York’s Long Island is typically a madhouse. My flight’s departure time of a brisk 1:15 a.m. meant my commute to the airport was pretty light once I reached the subway.

I arrived at the terminal a little late, with just about 25 minutes until my priority boarding began. Luckily, the late hour gave me the opportunity to check in and pass through security with no wait whatsoever.

At JFK, LATAM Airlines cooperates with American Airlines to offer lounge access for business passengers. Unluckily for me, the lounge is open only until 10:30 p.m., so taking a trip to the lounge to unwind wasn’t in the cards, even if I weren’t running late. I arrived at the gate just as boarding began, got in line for Premium Business access and took my seat on the plane.

In-Flight: Due to the late hour, crew members began taking stock of the meal situation nearly as soon as our initial ascent was behind us. I did not get to look at the full menu for dinner because of my early designation to the airline as a vegetarian. The crew paid attention to my dietary restrictions and brought out a delicious spread, including fresh and warm bread, vegetables and rice, a delicious garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette and a tasty fruit salad for dessert.

While I waited for my meal to arrive, I investigated the entertainment options. A large screen with a hand-held controller gave me access to a large number of new and older movies. I

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TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The crew members were extremely attentive to my needs.

Whenever I had any question or concern, it was addressed within minutes or, more often, seconds.

settled on something I had seen before because I knew there was no way I was going to make it through an entire movie.

I ate dinner while Kong: Skull Island delivered a killer backdrop. Following dinner, the crew quickly removed my plates and silverware. I opened up the pillow and blanket, set my seat to its lie-back configuration and turned off the movie. In a matter of minutes, I was out. Crew members joked with me shortly before landing that I was sleeping so deeply they were unable to wake me for breakfast. I might have missed breakfast; but if the rest of the flight was any indication, it would have been excellent.

There was plenty of space to situate myself and organize my luggage after landing. I was not fighting other passengers for access to the overhead compartments because everyone had such ample space.

The end result was a service, clocking in at just under eight hours, that went by in the blink of an eye.

◆ The lie-back seat was exceptionally comfortable. Combined with earplugs and a cozy blanket, I slept like a rock through most of the flight. ◆ An expansive entertainment library ensured I had a way to pass the time while waiting for the dinner service to arrive.

LATAM AIRLINES latam.com

PHOTOS: © LATAM

Pre-Flight: I was immediately impressed with the space afforded the business-class cabin. On the Boeing 787-9, LATAM employs a 2-2-2 layout for the business class. My aisle-access seat significantly reduced the stress I might have felt getting up in the middle of the night.

Less than two minutes after finding my way to my seat and stowing my carry-on luggage, a crew member offered to take my jacket for me. A few minutes after I sat down and began to get settled, the same crew member (I never got his name) brought over a tray of Champagne and mineral water with bowls of assorted nuts. I opted for the Champagne and set it aside to investigate my amenities kit. The fully stocked kit includes all the standards — a toothbrush and toothpaste, facial lotion, an eye mask, earplugs and socks. Before I knew it, we were pushing off from the gate and beginning our takeoff.

one on one

TAREK ADAWY General Manager, USA, EgyptAir aircraft manufacturing will decrease operating costs, which in turn will decrease consumer fares. Also, new materials will allow planes to fly faster and farther, improving long-haul flight times and comfort level.

Best career advice you’ve received: Work in an industry that feeds your passion. If you love what you do, success comes naturally.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the field?

Patience and motivation are key elements to ride the wave of constant growth and change — embrace change.

Name: Tarek Adawy Title: General manager, USA Company, city: EgyptAir, New York, New York Number of employees: 20 in New York; 9,000 in Cairo Recent project: Working on opening new gateways in the United States First job: EgyptAir ticket agent in Cairo Little-known fact about you: I am a Backstreet Boys fan.

YOUR BUSINESS What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years?

Air travel is in a period of great change. A continued movement toward automation makes all aspects of travel easier and more convenient for the passenger. The development of new materials in

ABOUT YOUR BRAND Tell us about the EgyptAir experience for premium travelers.

EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt, experienced extraordinary growth in its more than 87 years and is proud to be one of the first airlines recognized by IATA. We also own one of the youngest fleets in the industry. Our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft out of New York offers fully flat beds in business class, so passengers arrive refreshed and ready for that all-important business meeting. Our in-flight staff is trained to pay attention to detail; we believe details are important. As a member of Star Alliance, we offer access to more than 1,000 lounges throughout the world.

Last year, EgyptAir resumed flights to Moscow. What new routes are planned for the immediate future?

We are evaluating expanding in the United States to Washington, D.C., and Chicago. In China, we already fly to four cities and are looking to add several more. Lastly, we will also add Douala, Cameroon, and Kigali, Rwanda, to our portfolio.

What can we expect from EgyptAir in the next five years?

On June 4 we begin service from Washington Dulles International Airport to Cairo International Airport, flying Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipment. The Dreamliner aircraft will also fly our JFK–CAI daily service, effective in early November.

Certainly, we will open more routes in the United States, and as the gateway to Africa, I expect we will continue to expand and add more cities in Africa.

We constantly upgrade our equipment to stay current. We now have on order 45 new aircraft, including Airbus A320s and A350s, Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737s, with an option to add another 45 aircraft to the order.

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PHOTO: © EGYPTAIR

AS A TRAVELER Favorite travel memory or story: I love to travel, and every country has its unique story, but I was fascinated by Japan when I first visited many years ago. I’m a bit of a geek, and to see advances in technology far surpassing anything I had experienced opened my mind to the possibilities of our future.

One travel tip you cannot live without: I always arrive early for flights, so I’m prepared for any mishap or unplanned event.

Best advice for business travelers: This is easy: Always travel EgyptAir when it services the cities you are flying to.

one on one

JOHN SELDEN Airport General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

What advice would you give someone starting out in the field?

Stay persistent and focused. If you are in the aviation industry, it is cumulative; fully understand the process. You must be mobile and ready to relocate to have the best opportunity and training environment.

Name: John Selden Title: Airport general manager Company, city: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Number of employees: 700 in the Department of Aviation; 63,000 employees throughout the airport Recent project: The canopy on the south side of the airport will be finished by mid-September.

First job: I started a lawn mowing business with my friend when I was 14 years old on Long Island. Later, I attended flight training with the U.S. Navy in Pensacola, Florida.

Little-known fact about you: I’m left-handed and enjoy wake boarding.

YOUR BUSINESS What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? The market is ever-changing. Innovation is key.

Time is money, and the customer’s perspective of airport travel is important to maintain a positive and timely experience. Our goal is to make the experience seamless, from flight check-in to ordering a snack in concessions. We seek to integrate biometrics into concessions and parking to increase the ease and speed of the customer experience while traveling.

Best career advice you’ve received: Figure out what you want to do while you are young enough to plan a course for your future. Set your career path early, and it will help you set yourself apart and excel. You will have a better chance of obtaining your dream job this way.

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ABOUT YOUR BRAND Tell our readers more about the ATL Rewards program. What other programs and apps are available to make travel through the airport easier for passengers? ATL Rewards is the way we reward our customers, offering great benefits for many goods and services in and around the airport. It is a program designed for business travelers. The more times travelers use the program, the more points they accumulate and the more perks they can receive.

The iFLYATL app will tell travelers which lot is open for parking, which terminals to go to for restaurants, and it can assist in navigation of the entire facility.

ATL is actively involved in community outreach. Tell us more.

It’s our goal to be a good neighbor, so we constantly interact with our surrounding community. Aerotropolis is heavily involved with how the property is developed around the airport. We support local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and surrounding colleges and offer internships in the aviation industry.

For 20 years ATL ranked as the world’s busiest airport. What will the ATL of the future look like? ATL of the future is focused on the capacity to grow. A sixth runway and a new terminal are in discussions for the future. Access to and from the airport is important, as the region is ever-growing from north, south, east and west. We look forward to maintaining and growing our position as the economic engine for the region, which will increase growth for the area. We expect both domestic and international traffic to expand. We have 2,700 flights a day and expect to see huge growth in the e-commerce/ cargo sector for shipping goods. Eighty percent of the United States can be reached within two hours on a flight from ATL, a great selling point for businesses looking to relocate to Atlanta.

PHOTO: © HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

AS A TRAVELER Favorite travel memory or story: I was in Operation Desert Storm, and we had been released to enjoy leisure time in Dubai. When we got off the ship, it was summer and so hot; we could not find a restaurant open. We later realized you had to go out at night as the temperature cooled, then businesses would open. My favorite travel location is Santoríni — simply beautiful.

One travel tip you cannot live without: Global Entry and CLEAR are “clear” winners. The best customer experience comes from using the latest tools for a seamless experience.

Best advice for business travelers: Pack light, only take what you need. Do not check bags. Fly with one airline to build the loyalty with that brand over time.

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THE SOURCE FOR LUxURY BUSINESS TRAVELERS

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A HALF-CENTURY OF BUILDING CASTLES IN THE SAND

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BATON ROUGE p. 60 BRATISLAVA p. 64 GIZA p. 72 HONG KONG p. 62 LAKE TAHOE p. 74 LAS VEGAS p. 66 SÃO PAULO p. 54

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9–5 | CAPE TOWN

GT on the Road GT Members Section Captivating Cape Town

passed through in 2016 — its busiest year yet.

Arranging a car service in advance proves the best way to get into town. Services like Centurion Tours and Citi Hopper greet you at the terminal and run about 270–360 South African rand ($20–27), depending on the number of passengers in the vehicle.

Uber is also thriving in Cape Town, so consider hailing a ride with the app if your smartphone works in South Africa. The Uber X service costs R146–189 ($11–15), while the more luxurious Uber Black should cost about R249–324 ($18–25).

The 20- to 30-minute ride (depending on traffic) along the highway takes you past some of South Africa’s infamous townships. Although the center of Cape Town is home to fewer than 435,000, the metro area boasts a population of more than 3.7 million.

Many live in these makeshift towns consisting of informal housing, a remnant from the days of apartheid, prohibiting non-whites from living in the city center.

Cape Town, though, is quickly moving on from those unfortunate days. As you approach the downtown area, you’ll immediately recognize the faces of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu currently installed on the façade of the Civic Centre. On a clear day, you’ll also spot the flat-topped Table Mountain in the background.

Suitable hotels are scattered around the Central Business District and along the waterfront, but the 12-story Townhouse Hotel offers an excellent option for business travelers with its downtown location near City Hall and South Africa’s Houses of Parliament. It boasts seven meeting rooms that accommodate up to 425 people, with its largest holding 300.

While your hotel likely includes full breakfast, you might want to organize a morning meeting offsite. Taxis don’t roam Cape Town’s streets, however, so use Uber or ask the concierge to arrange transportation for you. Hemelhuijs, a chic café by Chef Jacques

he new GT app is This cultural crossroads provides endless opportunities for entertaining clients. BY MEREDITH BETHUNE

JOHANNESBURG MAY HAVE THE REPUTATION as South Africa’s business capital, but Cape Town still offers plenty to those traveling for work. The Mother City, as it is commonly known, with its spectacular waterfront setting crowned by the famous Table Mountain, hosts conferences that attract visitors from around the world.

You’ll likely arrive at Cape Town International Airport, the second-busiest in South Africa and the thirdbusiest on the entire continent. Located just 12 miles from the city center, it experienced tremendous growth since opening in 1954. More than 10 million passengers

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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION

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“We want to provide our cardholders benefits and rewards that matter to them,” said Francis Hondal, president, loyalty & engagement, Mastercard. “That means making experiences they love, like travel, even better with benefits that reflect their increasingly mobile lifestyles. With Boingo, we’re helping Mastercard cardholders stay connected whenever they want, wherever they go.”

Boingo’s award-winning Wi-Fi is available across six continents at locations that include airports, hotels, restaurants, cafés and stadiums.

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“With Boingo, where users can search for Wi-Fi by city or region.

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“This Boingo benefit adds a powerful punch to Mastercard’s loyalty offerings, keeping their cardholders connected on the go.”

The global Wi-Fi benefit is available through more than 150 Mastercard issuers in 45 countries. Once enrolled in the plan, cardholders can have simultaneous internet access for up to four devices without worrying about data caps or roaming fees.

For enhanced security, Boingo offers Passpoint, a next generation hotspot technology that features public Wi-Fi encryption. Passpoint streamlines connectivity by automatically connecting users to Wi-Fi without requiring a login or password, delivering a seamless and secure online experience.

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technology

AWAKE, ACTIVE AND AWARE Keep your healthy habits on track with these cool companions. BY JACK GUY

LA ROCHE-POSAY MY SKIN TRACK UV As we head into the summer months, it’s important to keep track of exposure to the sun. While most people enjoy getting a tan, too much exposure to UV rays damages your skin. This tiny sensor lets you know when it’s time to head into the shade, and it’s so small you can clip it onto your sunglasses or sneakers. And, of course, an accompanying app lets you monitor your exposure over time. $59.95. laroche-posay.us/my-skin-track-uv

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BEAUTYREST SLEEPTRACKER Our growing appreciation of the importance of sleep inspired a whole raft of gadgets that promise to help you get better rest. The Beautyrest Sleeptracker is more expensive than most, but it’s known for accurate readings and easy-to-digest insights on the Beautyrest app.

With two independent paddles placed under your mattress, the Sleeptracker can gather data on you and a partner, letting you know how long you’ve slept; the quality of your sleep; and trend reports for days, weeks and months.

It also pairs with Alexa, so it’s great for fans of Amazon’s smart speaker system. $199. beautyrest.com

SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE The latest iteration of Samsung’s sport-focused smartwatch packs in more health features than ever before, as well as a large display and a high-end design. A built-in heart monitor tracks your activity levels and will also alert abnormal heart activity as a sign of stress. It’s fully waterproof, great for swimming and outdoor adventures, and it provides support for wireless charging. You can use it with iOS devices as well as Android. Stylish colors include black, silver, green and rose gold. $199. samsung.com

PHOTOS: © QARDIO INC, © LA ROCHE-POSAY, © BEAUTYREST, © SAMSUNG

QARDIOBASE2 The march of connected devices has reached weighing scales, and the Qardiobase 2 is regarded as one of the best models out there.

The sleek, disc-shaped scale not only looks good, but also it can measure body fat and muscle mass in addition to your weight.

It’s clever enough to recognize different family members, and an accompanying app lets you keep track of your stats over an extended period. Plus, a pregnancy mode allows you to see how your body changes over time. $149.99. getqardio.com

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wine & spirits

TO YOUR HEALTH!

RAISE A GLASS OF RED WINE. Down it and know that beverage is as satisfying for your heart as it is for your taste buds. So say scientists who conducted innumerable studies on the subject.

As the Mayo Clinic recently summed up, study after study shows wine, particularly red wine, taken in moderation, is simply good for our hearts. It could be the antioxidants in red wine (called polyphenols) that protect the blood vessel linings of the heart. It could be the polyphenol called resveratrol which has garnered much attention. A recent study in China, for example, shows resveratrol reduces the formation of plaques in arteries.

Why red wine particularly? Its color. All the color of a wine comes from the skin of the grape, not the juice. To make white wine, vintners press the grapes, light or dark ones, then separate the juice from the skins and ferment only the juice.

The result: white wine. To make red wine, dark-skinned grapes are pressed, and the juice and skins are fermented together.

A study conducted over the course of eight years at Columbia University followed 3,176 people with blood clot risks. Those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol during that period lowered their risk by 50 percent.

Another study, in Finland, reported in the Journal of Gerontology, followed 2,468 men over a span of 29 years and found those who consumed moderate alcoholic drinks lowered their mortality rate by 34 percent.

And wine seemingly offers other health benefits as well. Some studies link drinking two or fewer glasses of wine a day with lowering bad cholesterol. Others claim red wine may decrease inflammation. It may help clear toxins from the brain. Or it might remove free radicals that play a major role in age-related diseases. And still other studies show red wine’s antioxidants can possibly slow the growth of cancer cells. These newer studies need still more studies to prove them right or not. For now, though, we can take both pleasure and comfort knowing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and other red wines offer both pleasure and purpose.

So raise that glass. To your health!

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is the phobia Novino out of running f o ne. r a fe g no wi n i v a h r wine, o

PHOTO: Š ANNA OM - DREAMSTIME.COM

Raise a glass of red wine and reap the benefits. BY EUNICE FRIED

An

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wealth

SMALL-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

SOME SMALL BUSINESSES ARE unable to procure conventional financing, whether due to being startups or lacking collateral or the cash needed for the initial down payments. A Small Business Administration loan can be the vehicle that allows someone to buy a dream business, a building or equipment. If you have not been able to get a loan conventionally, ask your finance professionals to direct you to the SBA; it may provide a solution.

Small business remains the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. It is estimated 28 million small businesses operate in the country, and many look for better access to capital. About 10 percent of those small businesses are eligible for one of the SBA’s guaranteed loan programs. In 2018 the SBA reported it financed more than 60,000 small businesses through the 7(a) loan program, estimating this represents only 3 percent of the potential market, so it appears there is capacity for growth.

As a result of record levels of SBA growth, Congress mandated the agency increase its oversight of the program and participating lenders. The SBA Office of Credit Risk Management has been empowered to ensure lenders operate between the white lines and observe the program parameters. Borrower-incurred fees, credit elsewhere and other hot buttons are being discussed as a result of this new level of scrutiny. The focus on oversight is certainly warranted

given the record levels of lending. Congress does not want borrowers to use a government program unless it is the only option available to the small-business applicant.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2020 budget also may impact the program and small business access to capital. Since Fiscal Year 2005, the program operated at a zero subsidy, meaning lender and borrower fees collected for each loan covered the loan losses, and the only fees to the taxpayer were administrative fees and salaries. In the last few years, the SBA collected fees in excess of $3.2 billion from borrowers and lenders which were then returned to the Treasury. This program worked well for small businesses and was not at taxpayers’ expense.

The SBA budget submitted for FY 2020 requested to increase fees 33 basis points, or $99 million, to cover program costs. The proposed budget for the first time subsidizes the agency employee salaries and expenses. The industry is up in arms at this proposal, and the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders is pushing for reconsideration of these proposed changes. In April NAGGL representatives testified in Congress, requesting a reevaluation of the Small Business Act this year.

The Small Business Administration guaranteed loan programs garner bipartisan support because of the importance of this sector in our economy.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice.

Always seek the expertise of a certified financial advisor or other qualified provider with any questions you may have regarding personal finance, investment and money-related issues.

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PHOTO: © SEPY67 - DREAMSTIME.COM

The U.S. Small Business Administration proposes changes for 2020.

tours

ON A STROLL

PHOTO: © JULIA KUZNETSOVA - DREAMSTIME.COM

Slow down and savor your destination on foot. BY KRISTY ALPERT

WHAT DO BREATHING in the delicate perfume of alpine rock jasmine on an early-morning hike in the Swiss Alps, discovering a Parisian patisserie in the back streets of Hanoi and weaving through secret shortcuts to uncover Chicago’s underground pedway system have in common? They can all be done only on foot.

Exploring a destination by foot is a great way to gain a new perspective of a town, soaking in the sights, sounds, smells and scenery at your own pace.

Guided walking tours amplify those sensations by providing an intimate look into the intricacies that make a destination so distinct, often providing a focus on art, architecture, history, food or nature.

Walking tour operators range from local guides booked through sites like Tours by Locals and Viator to expert guides booked through Context Travel.

All the guides with Context Travel have a Ph.D. or equivalent certification in their respective fields for the tours they lead. Context leads private and semi-private tours in 50-plus destinations around the world covering a variety of interests. Explore the Louvre with an expert art historian on the three-hour Louvre Museum Tour: Crash Course, and walk the streets with a food writer or chef in search of Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ most beloved chocolates and macrons on the 2.5-hour Paris Pastries and Chocolates Tour. The company also offers more exclusive tours, like the After Hours Vatican Museum Visit and the

Exclusive Early Morning Tower of London tour.

Many hotels provide private walking tour access for guests, like the complimentary neighborhood tours offered at all Triumph Hotels within New York City, including the Evelyn Hotel, The Frederick Hotel, The Iroquois Hotel New York, Hotel Edison, Hotel Belleclaire and the Washington Jefferson Hotel.

The Cambrian Hotel, a member of Design Hotels, in Adelboden, Switzerland, gives guests direct access to the region’s top hiking guides, who create customized trips for guests with either simple hikes or more demanding routes with climbing sections.

Hyatt Hotels recently launched a program aimed at promoting well-being for its guests with a range of local experiences, many of which involve some truly unique walking tours. The experiences can either earn World of Hyatt loyalty points or members can use already accumulated World of Hyatt loyalty points to book adventures. These might include foraging alongside a naturalist in the mountains of Southern California, heading underground to navigate and explore the Chicago Pedway or taking a meditative hike through the Redwood Forest with a certified yoga instructor.

Unlike zipping through a city on a train or in a car, walking tours allow guests the chance to slow down and view the details, people and stories that bring a destination to life; just make sure to wear comfy shoes!

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spas

TOTAL RENEWAL Let your spirit soar at Rancho La Puerta wellness resort. BY IRVINA LEW

ONE WITH NATURE: Meditation

PHOTO: © RANCHO LA PUERTA

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AT RANCHO LA PUERTA, wellness opportunities incorporate a multitude of mind, body and spirit modalities that refresh, renew and reenergize. I am convinced The Ranch, as it is affectionately called, offers another singular element that contributes to its reputation as one of the world’s best destination wellness resorts. That component is the natural beauty of the 4,000-acre nature preserve which encompasses a landscaped, artistically enhanced, 150-acre parcel on which most ranch activities take place.

During my recent — and fourth — visit, I relived my first property tour of some decades back and experienced a Proustian madeleine moment while following a guide and walking along clay-tile paths with geranium borders that wind across stone bridges and past beds planted with sage, rosemary and lavender. Beyond the enticing aroma, the sound of trickling fountains, the views of sculpture-studded gardens and the vista of an imposing Mount

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Kuchumaa backdrop all triggered the same sense of bien-être, or well-being, I first experienced at this magnificent, Spanish-style, red-tile-roofed, hillside village-like complex. Even the handcrafted, folk art-style directional signs to the dining hall, women’s and men’s health center, exercise gyms and pavilions, the Mercado, pools, library, museum, art studio and TV and WiFi lounges reminded me The Ranch takes advantage of every opportunity to create beauty and reduce stress. (Poor signage can cause agita, even while trying to get to a massage appointment.)

Yoga? Pilates? Tennis lessons? Read by the pool? The number of activities impresses: 50 daily classes, seven-mile morning hikes, five-mile Road Runner Trail Run and an array of fitness classes.

With so many physical, intellectual and spiritual activities — and beauty and body treatments — each guest develops his or her own daily itinerary.

I’ve hiked and attempted to learn how to meditate, do Pilates, take better photographs, dance salsa and cook healthfully.

Cooking classes have been my favorite activity since my first session in the original ranch kitchen. (We made balsamic-topped pizza, no cheese!) These days, the three weekly hands-on sessions often feature guest chefs and cookbook authors. The classes begin with a garden tour of Tres Estrellas — the six-acre organic garden — outside La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen That Sings”), a stunning, state-of-the-art culinary center.

Colorful, farm-to-fork, healthful meals are served within a spacious, art-filled Dining Hall and adjacent terraces. Breakfast and lunch feature self-serve buffets; at dinner, the printed multicourse menu offers two entrées, including a vegetarian option and locally caught seafood several times a week. (Many guests request half orders of both.) Mexican favorites count among the ethnic dishes: guacamole; salsa; huevos rancheros; tacos on house-made tortillas; and, for dessert, an apple-, cranberry- and nut-stuffed empanada (no empanada for gluten-free guests).

Wellness has been the core principle at The Ranch since a teenage Deborah Szekely (now 96 and long-established as the “Godmother of the Wellness Revolution”) and her professor-husband, Edmond Szekely, founded The Essene School of Life. Even in the 1940s the program featured (his) lifestyle lectures, (her) fitness activities and two hours of daily garden chores, all for “$17.50 a week; bring your own tent.” (Idyllic weather was and is, still, part of the appeal.)

From the start, farm-fresh, organic food and a mostly plant-based diet have been intrinsic to its mission. Now the ranch’s organic farm grows 250 varieties of produce; supplies 40–80 percent of the menu; and practices sustainable methods, resource conservation and educational outreach. Even the new La Puerta Core Essentials skin-care line is made with organic, eco-certified ingredients and sustainably harvested plants and herbs.

Education is the element that distinguishes resort spas from destination spas. At The Ranch, a variety of experts teach specialized sessions each week. Ms. Szekely, my hero and role model, continues to share her impressive knowledge of “how to live and age well.” She incorporates her lifestyle choices, experiences and up-to-the-minute nutritional and wellness information in the insights she shares with guests — including two of my three daughters — about “the longer-living, younger life.”

Some of her life lessons: Eat (smaller) portions appropriate to your size. Follow a mostly organic, vegetarian diet. Get daily

ROAD TO WELLNESS:

Fitness training (above), and running (left) PHOTOS: © RANCHO LA PUERTA

exercise. Appreciate nature. Make friends with younger people.

Accommodations are comfortably lovely, with traditional Mexican tile floors and counters and handcrafted wall hangings. Like many, ours featured a fireplace, an expansive terrace and a mountain view. (Three newly built, luxurious Heavenly Villas include WiFi and plunge pools.) And the warm, local and nurturing staff is as impressive as the ambience.

Some guests find spiritual sustenance in meditating, doing tai chi, circling the labyrinth — a replica of the one at the medieval Chartres Cathedral — or dining in silence or alone.

For me, what sets The Ranch apart are those stunning walks from here to there and back again, repeated during an eight-day week. Being immersed in beauty while not giving much thought to one’s personal looks — casual dress, natural hair and no makeup is the norm — simply makes me feel good.

Thousands agree.

JUNE 2019

Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort and Spa Carretera Mexicali-Tijuana K.M. Rancho la Puerta 21520 Tecate, B.C. Mexico tel 858 925 1214 rancholapuerta.com

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golf

A GRANDE TIME Enjoy a day of play at Grande Dunes Resort Golf Club in Myrtle Beach. BY FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

TEE-OFF TIME: Hole 1

PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

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THE GRANDE DUNES RESORT GOLF CLUB often appears on our must-play list when we take our annual Myrtle Beach golf excursion, but it seems it never made the pages of Global Traveler. Surprising, as it is a well-maintained and well-run course, perhaps one of the better courses we played over the five-day trip to the East Coast golf mecca.

The course is part of the Founders Group of courses, many of which we played during our trip, and most boast a stellar reputation.

Grande Dunes opened in 2002 during the top edge of the golf craze when courses were opening like wildflowers, with no end in sight.

In 2003 Golf Digest named the course among the top 100, followed by the 2009 National Golf Course of the Year award. It hosted the PGA National Championship in 2014.

For nature lovers, 14 of the 18 holes offer water views, and seven holes include views of the intracoastal waterway for nice boat admiring. You will also find dramatic elevation changes and long distances from tee box to green on many holes. (Carts are a must.) The Roger Rulewich Group designed the course, taking into consideration the topography while using the natural vistas when possible. Rulewich is best known for his involvement with the Robert Trent Jones Golf

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Trail in Alabama, comprising 24 courses in 10 different locations in the state.

I teed up in a foursome that included Jimmy Spratt from New York; Neil Curran from Philadelphia; and John Kelley from Havertown, Pennsylvania, all some of the seven or eight players who make the annual trip. It was a windy day, usual for this strip of land where Grande Dunes resides. We were the first to tee off on No. 1 and played the first nine so fast we had to wait at 10 while the balance of the morning back nine tee times cleared. Talk about speed!

HOLE 1 | 452 yards, par 4

It was unseasonably cool and the wind was whipping up as we teed off as the first group. First at bat and a little rusty in the morning, we slammed some drives to get the round started. Jim and I took a leftward tilt to land almost out of bounds near the condos. Workers had tied ropes to trees and draped them over the third-story building so they could power-wash the clay roofing — very brave, I thought.

Not as brave as Jim’s shot from under a group of trees, though, getting him out of harm’s way. From there we all struggled to the

green, trying to avoid the bunkering on the right.

HOLE 9 | 469 yards, par 4

Nine is ranked the second-most difficult hole on the course, as it features a small pond off the tee box and a series of traps, one smack in the middle of the fairway you have to clear or stay far away from. Jimmy played like a machine, with a powerful drive over the center trap, offering a clear, clean iron to the green.

I “hozzeled” a shot that brought me left and short but out of danger. John and Neil also hit nice drives, but each caught bunkers, adding strokes to their cards. My second shot came up short for a little chip on, resulting in a two-putt bogey. Jim took on the hole, masterfully making par like a pro!

HOLE 11 | 190 yards, par 3

With a little wind directly in our faces and a huge sand trap to carry, I decided to take a little more club after I saw Jimmy and Neil coming up short and John squarely on the left side of the massive sand trap. My ball landed left of the flag and ran up about four feet from the pin. After the others joined me on the green, I took dead aim and knocked the ball to the back of the cup to hoots and hollers from my teammates. Nice to get a birdie under your belt at Grande Dunes.

HOLE 12 | 449 yards, par 4

Twelve is a perennial favorite among golfers who play at Grande Dunes. The tricky dogleg right presents mounding on both

sides of the fairway and traps and thick grass on the right, plus another trap left to snag your drive. Players have to decide if a longer shot is worth the risk of catching the left bunker. Jim and I knocked two nice drives dead center between the traps, leaving us manageable iron shots to the green. Neil and John shot a little wider off the tee, finding the bunkers right and left. Combined textbook iron shots led me and Jim to miss birdie putts while our partners walked away with respectable bogeys.

HOLE 18 | 442 yards, par 4

Wrapping up Grande Dunes and coming to the 18th hole was exciting, as I knew I had improved my game on the back nine.

When we tallied the scores, my back nine score was better than the front nine by six strokes. To achieve that, I had to keep things together and make sure I carded a decent score on 18.

Jimmy slammed a ball far right and landed in the woods. I hit a nearly perfect shot down the center of the fairway. (As I told my teammates, I will only write about the good shots.) We spent what felt like an eternity looking for Jim’s ball, but it had bounded farther than expected, and he had a chance to hit the green. Eyeing up the shot, Jim took his best swing. With dirt and leaves flying, he hit the green and one-putted for birdie — a spectacular achievement. I took a clean iron shot and curved my ball right to left, landing on the edge of the green but puttable for a two-putt par. John and Neil played well and celebrated in our birdie and par putts, closing another enjoyable round at Grande Dunes.

JUNE 2019

Grande Dunes Resort Golf Club 8700 Golf Village Lane Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 tel 843 315 0333 grandedunesgolf.com SPECTACULAR FINISH: Hole 18

PHOTO: © FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER

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chefs

INNOVATING TRADITION Chef Margarita Carrillo honors her cultural roots at Cachito at The Reef 28.

CHEF MARGARITA CARRILLO is one of the preeminent worldwide authorities on Mexican gastronomy, and there’s no better way for her to showcase her talents than as the executive chef at Cachito at The Reef 28 on Playa del Carmen. The hot spot for authentic Mexican cuisine takes diners on a culinary tour through Mexico, adding a global flair to fresh, local ingredients.

Carrillo actively contributes to the research, promotion and spread of traditional Mexican cuisine globally. In 2016 SER bestowed upon her the title of Ambassador of Mexican Cuisine; she’s also been recognized by the Government of Mexico and named the Vice President of Gastronomic Projects by the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture.

WHICH DESTINATIONS INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION TRANSLATED INTO YOUR CULINARY CONCEPTS? Japan, because of the order, discipline and respect to nature — they have a special and natural cuisine. The discipline and organization in the kitchen inspire me. These are important factors.

Oaxaca in Mexico has a culinary tradition of quality and creativity that goes back centuries and respects its history. They also respect local ingredients — which they fully utilize — and ancestral techniques. Being from the area myself, it’s a tie to my roots.

With Cachito, you can see these inspirations in the menu. We want to present Mexican cuisine in a simple and authentic way, given the parameters of local ingredients and of quality.

BY KIMBERLY KROL

cooking, I extend this love and happiness to the restaurant business, infusing this family tradition into the restaurants.

My grandmother had a banquet business in Parral Chihuahua, and she gave cooking classes in the summer for us granddaughters — all 11 of us — in Juárez! We learned everything, from the most simple, like frijoles, to more complicated things like how to make pastillage to decorate cakes.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD CITY? New York City — they have everything! It’s a cosmopolitan city where you can get just about anything you want. There are amazing restaurants of all types of cuisines … Asian; very good, delicious Mexican; and French … it’s a fantastic city to eat well!

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT BIG TREND ON THE FOOD SCENE WILL BE? I think we’re returning to our roots, to the natural. And to me, this is good. I don’t think food made by a robot is the future. On the contrary, food that has cultural roots is the future. The rest are passing fads.

But cuisine, since it is something alive, always evolves. I believe there is a strong movement toward going back to our roots, to a cuisine with history and to a respectful use of ingredients. And you can see this all immediately in the new menu I created for Cachito.

CACHITO The Reef 28 1 Avenida Nte. and Calle 28 Nte. 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Mexico tel 52 984 206 5150 thereefresorts.com

WHAT ONE PERSON MOST INFLUENCED YOUR COOKING STYLE? I have to say two: my mother and my maternal grandmother. They provided me with examples of cooking and how to make what they’re cooking with love and happiness for the family. In my own

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PHOTOS: © CACHITO

WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CULINARY HERO? Alicia Gironella de’Angeli is important in my professional life. She is a woman who worked in Mexican cuisine for many years, and she has taken me with her to many parts of the world. It is because of her I began to travel to Europe, and I learned how to bring Mexican cuisine to other countries. Chef Gironella is always looking to see how to help and develop young talents. Her cooking is traditional without being square, so to speak.

She is a creative and intelligent woman.

PHOTOS: © KIRILL ZMURCIUK - DREAMSTIME.COM, © GAWRILOFF - DREAMSTIME.COM, © POCHOLO CALAPRE - DREAMSTIME.COM, © SEAN PAVONE - DREAMSTIME.COM, © JOHN WROBLEWSKI, © SENOHRABEK - DREAMSTIME.COM, © ERICH MARTIN, © MAXBUR - DREAMSTIME.COM, © BYVALET | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Which luxury cruise line offers new wellness itineraries?

cruising

STAYING SHIPSHAPE Today’s cruise ships bring fitness to the forefront. BY J.D. BROWN AND MARGARET BACKENHEIMER MORE THAN A CENTURY AGO, the great ocean liners, including the original Queen Mary and the ill-fated Titanic, provided space for passengers to exercise. These fitness centers of yesteryear, usually situated in rooms without so much as a porthole for views, were equipped with the iron weights and intricate wooden exercise machines of the time. Passengers worked out on rowing machines and static bicycles in full Edwardian dress, from suits and ties to dresses and hats.

For most of the 20th century, cruise ship fitness centers remained little more than windowless galleries of exercise and weight-lifting equipment. In the 21st century, however, as an increasing number of cruise passengers strive to stay shipshape, cruise lines transform fitness centers to keep up with swank land-based health clubs and workout emporiums.

Today’s biggest cruise ships offer unprecedented space and options for passengers who work out while sailing. Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 2,934-passenger Norwegian Edge elevated the fitness center to the top deck where passengers can tackle the longest rope course at sea; ride “sky rails” which function like small zip lines; and walk “the plank,” a narrow beam jutting over one side of the ship. Norwegian’s larger vessels also sport rock-climbing walls and 24-hour gyms festooned with all the latest bells, whistles and punching bags.

Not to be outflanked, Royal Caribbean International installed SeaPlex, a high-tech indoor sports complex, on its 4,180-passenger, state-of-the-art mega-ships, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. SeaPlex is replete with a basketball court, roller skating rink, bumper car arena and circus school.

Smaller, mid-sized, all-inclusive luxury lines followed suit.

Crystal Cruises now features wraparound promenades for a “walk on water” workout that employs cotton vests with pockets for weights. Viking Ocean Cruises provides dedicated running tracks that are shaded, wide and long, with as few as four laps to the mile. Oceania Cruises conducts more than two dozen fitness classes led by professional instructors, ranging from Pilates and yoga at sunrise to walk-a-mile hikes and Kinesis wall exercises. Windstar Cruises placed a fitness center enclosed in glass on its top decks, with more than 20 workout stations and a fluid rower that operates with built-in water resistance.

Even very small ships are expanding workout options by running special fitness cruises. Amadeus River Cruises’ 168-passenger MS Amadeus Silver III sails the Rhine Nov. 7–12 this year with gym visits in port and special classes hosted on board by two celebrity instructors. And UnCruise Adventures’ 84-passenger Safari Endeavor explores the Sea of Cortes March 21–28, 2020, with its own special team of fitness experts overseeing strength training and yoga, both on deck and on the beach.

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BALANCING ACT:

y brit p fit Cele ee d k r sly boa dge can a mles a s e 16. r s e E and at ty unn h i r t 5 r 1 b d k an ele cks rac kers d-new C ogging t ween de Wal t j n ’ bra le-deck ation be ises Cru ts doub ges elev on i chan

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “the plank” PHOTO: © NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

For some, it’s sitting down to the first five-star dinner of the trip, and being transported by the rich, unexpected flavors awaiting you. For others, it’s sailing into an exotic, remote port without another ship in sight. And for you, it’s the little things.

Discover your moment.

ENJOY THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA™ ABOARD OUR INTIMATE AND LUXURIOUS SHIPS. CALL 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) | VISIT OCEANIACRUISES.COM or CONTACT YOUR TR AVEL ADVISOR

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Winging to Wellness Passengers benefit as airports and airlines focus on the healthy travel trend. BY HARRIET BASKAS THE UPSIDES OF BUSINESS AND LEISURE travel include opportunities to visit new places, meet new people, enjoy fresh adventures and get things accomplished.

The downsides: All that travel can leave even the hardiest traveler road-weary, backsliding on diet and fitness routines, severely jetlagged or sick.

The good news is travelers determined to stay well while on the road no longer need to wait until they arrive at their hotel to access healthy amenities. Recognizing many passengers seek health and wellness experiences at each step of their journey, air-

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ports and airlines partner with businesses that focus on wellness to offer everything from spas and gyms to healthier food options, sleep tips and yoga instruction.

Some of these offerings are designed to cash in on expenditures today’s travelers make in the fast-growing wellness tourism market, which the Global Wellness Institute predicts will exceed $919 billion in 2022. Others, such as airport walking paths and in-flight yoga instruction videos, are designed to help passengers stay calm and healthy during what is often the most stressful part of their journey.

IT’S GETTING EASIER to pass up cocktail bars and fast-food venues in airport terminals. Vegan, vegetarian and plant-based restaurants, such as Floret at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and HealthyTOKYO at Haneda Airport, draw fans.

Elsewhere, airports such as Salt Lake City International and London Heathrow publish online guides to help passengers find dining concessions that match special dietary needs.

Many airports around the country have marked paths with mileage counters to encourage travelers to skip the moving walkways and instead walk through the terminals. For example, marked paths at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas range from half a mile to 1.5 miles in length, while the Fitness Trail inside Phoenix Sky Harbor International rewards walkers with views ranging from Camelback Mountain to one of the country’s tallest FAA control towers.

Roam Fitness, the compact post-security airport gym with cardio equipment, free weights, loaner workout gear and shower rooms at Baltimore/Washington International, is on track to open a second location at San Francisco International Airport this summer. Elsewhere, travelers can purchase day passes to use fitness facilities at airport hotels such as the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the Grand Hyatt DFW. For those who like to multitask, WeWatt bike desks allow passengers to pedal and charge gadgets at airports in Brussels

(BRU), Amsterdam (AMS), Singapore (SIN), Geneva (GVA), Indianapolis (IND) and other cities, while Varidesk’s new complimentary, co-working space at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport offers standing desks and plenty of power hubs.

There are yoga rooms (often with loaner mats) at airports in San Francisco (SFO), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Burlington (BTV) and at both O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) in Chicago. Some airlines include yoga spaces inside their airport lounges. The latest, The Sanctuary in Cathay Pacific’s Business Class Lounge at The Pier at Hong Kong International, features one space dedicated to yoga and another designed for meditation.

Airport spa chains such as XpresSpa, Terminal Getaway Spa and BeRelax, along with independents such as EnRoute Spa at Indianapolis International and d_parture spa at Newark Liberty, offer travelers everything from relaxing hand, foot and back massages to rejuvenating oxygen treatments. And a fastgrowing pack of airports sends teams of therapy dogs (and the

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MIND, BODY AND SOUL:

(Left to right) Airport yoga, healthy eating at Floret at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and Roam Fitness PHOTOS: © PAVEL SHLYKOV DREAMSTIME.COM, © BELATHEE PHOTOGRAPHY, © ROAM FITNESS

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COMFORT ZONE:

The Sanctuary in Cathay Pacific’s Business Lounge at The Pier at Hong Kong International Airport (above), and an Alaska Airlines meal (left) PHOTOS: © CATHAY PACIFIC, © ALASKA AIRLINES

occasional cat, pig or miniature horse) and their handlers through the terminals to engage passengers and help them de-stress.

For stress-busting alone time — and naps — Minutes Suites, Sleepbox and the Yotel chain are expanding the number of airports in which they rent cozy, short-stay rooms.

MANY AIRLINES DO their part as well, with offerings such as healthier in-flight meals, better lighting, in-flight yoga instruction, aromatherapy and partnerships with groups well-known for providing wellness programs on the ground.

A helpful tool for passengers flying on U.S. and Canadian airlines is the annual Diet Detective report issued by Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center. The 2018–2019 edition used 11 criteria, including calorie counts, to rank the meals of 11 airlines, giving top marks to Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

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WELCOME

HOME

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PLEASING THE SENSES:

Qantas Airways meal of tomato and mushroom puff pastry tart with corn salsa (above), and candle with Virgin Atlantic Airways’ signature scent (right)

PHOTOS: © QANTAS AIRWAYS, © VIRGIN ATLANTIC

Sitting on an airplane for a long time can be uncomfortable, unhealthy and boring, so Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific and many other airlines offer videos in the in-flight entertainment line-up with guided yoga and

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meditation exercises that can be done in an economy- or premium-class seat. KLM recently partnered with the Chillhouse wellness center in New York to offer a series of in-flight “Self-Care” tips that include taking a little turmeric before or during the fight to help fight inflammation.

Scent can help relax travelers, and airlines ranging from All Nippon Airways and Alaska Airlines to United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic adopted or created signature scents used at checkin counters, in lounges, hold areas, lavatories and in the cabin.

Recognizing long- and ultra-long-haul flights exceeding 18 hours are no longer uncommon, airlines get creative with some wellness-focused perks. Australia’s Qantas Airways is working with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center on strategies to help passengers handle long-haul flights such as the carrier’s 17-hour Perth (PER)–London (LHR) route. To combat jet lag and promote healthy flying, the team is tinkering with everything from cabin lighting and temperature to the design of the in-flight menu and the timing of the delivery of meals.

When it began flying the world’s longest commercial flight between Singapore (SIN) and Newark (EWR) — a journey of 18 hours and 45 minutes — Singapore Airlines introduced a partnership with luxury wellness brand Canyon Ranch that focuses on healthy cuisines and general well-being. In addition to offering meals that take into consideration longer flight durations and less body movement, the program includes special cabin lighting, strategies to improve rest and relaxation, and guided stretching exercises via the seatback systems.

In the not-too-distant future, passengers on long-haul flights may have the option of leaving their seats for hours at a time and descending into the airplane’s cargo deck for a nap or some other activity. In April 2018 aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace (now Safran) floated the idea of putting interchangeable modules with sleeping berths into the lower decks of an Airbus A330.

2019 GT Tested Reader Survey Awards Ballot Please write in your personal favorites, based on your own experience, on the line next to each of the following categories.

HOTEL BEST AIRLINE BEST

Overall Best Airline in the World_____________________________________________________ Airline Alliance________________________________________________________________________ Aircraft Type _________________________________________________________________________ Airline Website _______________________________________________________________________ Fastest-Growing Airline – Trans-Pacific______________________________________________ Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers__________________________________ Best Airline for . . .

Business Class___________________________________________________________________

International First Class_________________________________________________________

Domestic First Class_____________________________________________________________

Onboard Service ________________________________________________________________ Lounges _________________________________________________________________________

Flight Attendants________________________________________________________________

Flight Attendant Uniforms ______________________________________________________

Airline Cuisine___________________________________________________________________ Security__________________________________________________________________________ First-Class Seat Design_______________________________________________________________ Business-Class Seat Design _________________________________________________________ Best New Airline Service Launch_____________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Flyer Programs

Overall Best Frequent-Flyer Program___________________________________________

Elite-Level Program______________________________________________________________

Bonus Promotion_______________________________________________________________

Award Redemption______________________________________________________________

Customer Service _______________________________________________________________

BEST AIRLINE BY LOCATION Best Airline in . . .

Africa_____________________________________________________________________________

Australia and New Zealand______________________________________________________

Central/South Asia and India __________________________________________________ China____________________________________________________________________________

Eastern Europe__________________________________________________________________ Europe___________________________________________________________________________ Mexico___________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East _________________________________________________________________

North America___________________________________________________________________

North Asia (excluding China)____________________________________________________

The South Pacific________________________________________________________________ To South America and Central America_____________________________________________ To Japan______________________________________________________________________________ Trans-Atlantic Airline_________________________________________________________________ Trans-Pacific Airline__________________________________________________________________

AIRPORT BEST Overall Best Airport in the World____________________________________________________ Overall Best Duty-Free Shop in the World___________________________________________ Airport Staff/Gate Agents____________________________________________________________ Airport Dining________________________________________________________________________ Airport Shopping ____________________________________________________________________ Fastest-Growing U.S. Airport_________________________________________________________ Duty-Free Shops in . . .

Asia______________________________________________________________________________ Africa_____________________________________________________________________________ Europe___________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_________________________________________________________________ Best Airport in . . .

Asia______________________________________________________________________________ Africa_____________________________________________________________________________ Europe___________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_________________________________________________________________

North America___________________________________________________________________

South America___________________________________________________________________

Best Individual Hotel in the World ________________________________________________ International Hotel Chain__________________________________________________________ Domestic Hotel Chain______________________________________________________________ Lifestyle Hotel______________________________________________________________________ MICE Hotel _________________________________________________________________________ (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) Hotel Website______________________________________________________________________ Best Frequent-Stay Programs

Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World___________________________________

Elite-Level Program____________________________________________________________

Bonus Promotion_____________________________________________________________

Award Redemption____________________________________________________________

Customer Service_____________________________________________________________

HOTEL BEST BY LOCATION Best Hotel in . . .

Asia____________________________________________________________________________ Europe_________________________________________________________________________

South Korea___________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_______________________________________________________________

The United States _____________________________________________________________ Best Hotel Chain in . . .

Asia____________________________________________________________________________ Europe_________________________________________________________________________

Latin America__________________________________________________________________ Mexico_________________________________________________________________________

The Middle East_______________________________________________________________

OTHER BEST Overseas Delivery Program _______________________________________________________ Rental Car Company_______________________________________________________________ Tourism Destination_______________________________________________________________ MICE City ___________________________________________________________________________ (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) WiFi Service_________________________________________________________________________ Luggage Brand_____________________________________________________________________ Hotel App___________________________________________________________________________ Airline App__________________________________________________________________________ Best Small- to Mid-Sized Business Program ______________________________________ Credit Cards Best Overall Credit Card___________________________________________________________ Best Small-Business Credit Card __________________________________________________ Best Credit Card Special Events ___________________________________________________ Credit Card Rewards Program_____________________________________________________ Frequent-Stay Affinity Credit Card ________________________________________________ Promotions____________________________________________________________________ Benefits________________________________________________________________________ Redemptions__________________________________________________________________ Frequent-Flyer Affinity Credit Card_________________________________________________ Promotions____________________________________________________________________ Benefits________________________________________________________________________ Redemptions__________________________________________________________________ Best Cruise Line Affinity Credit Card_______________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL THE COMPLETED SURVEY TO: Kevin Ryan, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, 1800 JFK Blvd., 20th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Or FAX to 215 545 4810 Or vote online at globaltravelerusa.com/gt-tested-awards-ballot Name Street Address City Home Phone

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ZIP Code Email

Sweet Dreams Get a good night’s sleep at properties promoting true rest and relaxation. BY ILONA KAUREMSZKY NO ORDINARY BEDTIME ROUTINE HERE. At a particular luxury hotel in one of India’s fastest-changing cities on the fringes of Hyderabad, I find a tray of healthy nibbles, a glassful of specialty hot milk and some aromatic essential oil-infused sprays — one for the pillow and the other for soothing tension.

There’s even a handy bedside pamphlet illustrating yoga poses.

Here at the ITC Kohenur, everything is meant to help kickstart sleepy time.

I’m staying at this new Luxury Collection Hotel in Hyderabad’s new business district, HITEC City, to recharge my

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batteries. The parent company, ITC Limited, approaches sleep with a holistic wellness mantra built into each of its 13 luxury hotels. “I can give you all the bells and whistles; but if I haven’t invested in giving you good sleep, I have no reason to be in the business,” says Nakul Anand, executive director, ITC Limited, whose company represents 106 hotels in India.

On the 14th floor of this unique diamond-inspired, LEED platinum-certified building, a collection of Wellness Rooms is specially designed to help long-haul sleep-deprived guests get their eight hours of Zs. Each Wellness Room offers optimized pressure for vitamin C showers to enhance health, room plants for improving air quality, a yoga mat for stretches, and well-being associates who are like personal butlers.

Tucked beside my fluffy king-sized bed, a sleep kit includes an eye mask and other natural sleep aid accouterments. In 2017 ITC introduced the “Sleep Like a Baby Kits” to ensure guests staying in its luxury hotel collection enjoy a good night’s sleep. Light levels; an exclusive ITC music meditative playlist; multiglazed windows for sound, heat and light insulation; and room design were part of the “Sleep” project.

“The research is premised on the belief that a person doesn’t sleep by bed

© EVGENYATAMANENKO - DREAMSTIME.COM

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alone, and that all the five senses have a bearing on a great night’s sleep,” adds Bindu Panicker, general manager of corporate communications, ITC Limited Hotels Division.

Studies show good sleep equals a better mind, body and soul. Dr. Jeffrey Durmer, chief medical officer and cofounder, Atlanta-based FusionHealth, a top-rated sleep health care company, warns sleep deprivation adds to health issues. “You may not have diabetes today, but you will push yourself down that road (and many others like it) much more quickly by giving up your sleep than you might ever have expected,” says Durmer, who develops sleep health programs.

In the Catskills outside New York City, the former Kutsher Resort morphed into the YO1 Wellness Center. The stateof-the-art retreat incorporates the ancient Indian therapies of Ayurveda, naturopathy and yoga. On sleep, Rhoda Climenhaga, L.Ac, lead acupuncturist, YO1 Wellness Center, notices too often people don’t slow down. “One of the most important problems people with sleep issues have in common [is] being too active,” she says, and recommends some nice, easy time — about one to two hours before going to bed with no big meals — is vital.

The hospitality industry stands in full force behind good sleep. Pillow menus, black-out curtains, even eye masks with matching ear plugs have been put bedside at many hotels to ensure hotel guests get good sleep. Gabrielle Blitz Rosen, partner and chief content officer, FullTime Media, led social media departments for major travel brands and notes wellness programs incorporating R&R have become so on-trend, the old premise “Silence is golden” really does hold merit.

“Companies today have included silence in unique ways,” she says, listing silent dinner venues that popped up in countries such as Italy as well as a posh wellness retreat in Mexico that features a silent dining room for organically sourced meals. “From the hotels and restaurants, it’s giving people the opportunity to pause, calm down and meditate and relax to come back to center,” says Blitz Rosen on the new, quiet revolution she suggests inevitably leads to good sleep.

QUIET TIME:

View from CitizenM New York Bowery hotel (above) and guestroom (left) PHOTOS: © ILONA KAUREMSZKY, © CITIZENM NEW YORK BOWERY HOTEL.

In 2015 the independent Quietroom Foundation, a Dutch-based organization that monitors the qualification of hotels for the Quiet Room label, awarded the Hotel Regina Paris at its first Global Quiet Hotel Awards.

Located near the Louvre, the 5-star renovated property scored high on each evaluation, from the hotel’s location and room numbers with a QR label to the design and build for soundproofing, among other points.

On noise levels, this past January I stayed in New York City’s Bowery on the Lower East Side. At this historic hub in “The City That Never Sleeps,” I surprisingly encoun-

ith ew m o c iams ortun e r d p .

‘All iful op rowth g t l u ons bea or sou sessi f m ties r drea p a lo u e In o s dev of con e iv nt clie r sens creat e e se p r dee n, mo us sen ro tio nec wond her a hig there ity, rity, la and of c eness, love r e awa t mor ion all s us is j ompas c and d.’ un n, aro rklu or o j h – arin B nd aut a-K pert a Ann ex am dre JUNE 2019

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CALIFORNIA DREAMING:

Terranea Resort aerial view (top) and couple’s spa treatment (bottom) PHOTOS: © TERRANEA RESORT

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tered a good night’s sleep at the new CitizenM New York Bowery hotel. Guests staying at the world’s tallest modular hotel get to select sleep options in their compact dwelling.

Boasting a wall-to-wall thick window and an extra-large kingsized bed facing the city lights, decked out in a luxury duvet and soft pillows, the entire room is controlled by a MoodPad (iPad) of custom-made controls for curtains, blinds, temperature, TV and pre-programmed LED lighting for relaxing. I chose “Gentle” for my wake-up alarm and awoke to a 2001: A Space Odyssey-like HAL 9000 female voice counting numbers from 100. It was a digital voice recording.

“We like integrating audio and lighting as part of our smart room technology. There are also preset moods in the room ranging from party, romance and working,” adds Robin

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Chadha, chief marketing officer, on the futuristic sleep approach.

On the West Coast, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, a unique “Sound Sleep” experience has sleep-deprived guests at Terranea Resort lining up for this R&R concept.

The hotel’s spa incorporates the guest’s circadian rhythm in the “Sound Sleep” treatment. “We take a new approach to wellness by paying particular attention to the timing of a guest’s visit,” says Sharon Holtz, spa director, Terranea Resort, adding the treatments are organized into Morning & Early Afternoon, Bridging Time and Late Afternoon & Evening. She further explains, “The therapist focuses on moving energy within one’s body, pushing pent-up stress outward with strokes timed to the beat of ambient music. Surrounding scents and essential oils further complement and bring a sense of deep relaxation.”

In the laid-back surf town of Dana Point, California, guests staying at the Tuscan-inspired Monarch Beach Resort take advantage of private dream sessions with a renowned dream expert. “Clients often leave a dream session feeling inspired to deal with particular life situations,” notes dream expert and author Anna-Karin Bjorklund on the program at the resort’s Miraval Life in Balance Spa. For more good sleep, the largest privately owned hotel chain in Northern Ireland invested in 350 Cloud Beds at its new Grand Central Hotel Belfast, opened last June. “This is the biggest bed order we have ever placed, so it is safe to say we know our stuff when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep,” says Julie Hastings, marketing director, Hastings Hotels, whose company now offers 1,700 Cloud Beds. Custom-made by King Koil in Ireland, the Cloud Bed features a deep pillow layer of soft cushion and 1,600 independent pocket springs to conform to the body shape. You get that dreamy night’s sleep from the floating-on-clouds experience.

Lastly, in London some travelers staying at DUKES LONDON discovered the benefits of a Beditation Butler.

The art of Beditation is practiced on a daily basis for guests staying in the Duchess Rooms. “Guests will feel calm and relaxed the moment they walk through the door,” says Debrah Dhugga, managing director, DUKES LONDON, on the arrival experience. The 90-room and 15-suite hotel uses a signature scent of hyacinth and bluebell aromas. The Beditation Butler offers a sleep experience fit for a duchess.

Find meditation podcasts and playlists and loose-leaf herbal teas that make you hit the pillow in divine fashion.

mice | CAPE TOWN

Sun-Splashed City New waterfront projects enhance Cape Town’s allure for meetings. BY RON BERNTHAL IN FULL SWING: Cape Town International Convention Centre’s new CTICC 2 building PHOTO: © CTICC

’s Town Cape s u iTi b MyC o m als syste s as serve f rce o a sou . t r a c publi s t s i l art Loca ed m r o f trans e of th many s bu city’s nto i ons stati ks r nt wo vibra t. r of a

AS SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES 25 years of democracy since the end of apartheid, scenic and historic Cape Town, founded in 1652, is experiencing an unprecedented surge of tourism, new business ventures and urban development projects. Ambitious city projects valued at approximately $1 billion are anticipated during the next four to five years, including several new hotel, office and residential developments already underway, as well as the recent completion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre’s expansion project.

With the iconic presence of Table Mountain in the background and lying a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean, the final piece of the CTICC’s major expansion project, a soaring, steel-and-glass pedestrian sky bridge connecting the new building to the original 2003 structure, was completed earlier this year. “We are very excited about our sky bridge, which is both beautiful and functional,” said Julie-May Ellingson, CEO, Cape Town International Convention Centre. “As a worldclass venue, the CTICC is now able to welcome more attendees as well as host large-scale events across both

buildings.” The new building offers more than 30,000 additional square feet of meeting and exhibition space.

Upcoming events at the CTICC include the Congress of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy; Cape Town Art Fair; Cape Town Jazz Festival; the Design Conference; and the 2023 Congress of the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry, which will take place in Africa for the first time.

The CTICC sits within walking distance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a new, 300-acre, mixed-use project which has become Africa’s largest tourist attraction, drawing more than 24 million visitors a year. With its new hotels, restaurants, retail shops, pedestrian and bicycle paths and entertainment activities, the Waterfront district offers a distinct and vibrant atmosphere.

Developers broke ground last year on what will be Cape Town’s tallest building, the 42-story Zero-2-One tower, with 624 residential units; 65,000 square feet of retail space; and a public viewing deck offering 360-degree views of the city. Completion of the structure is expected in late 2020.

Last year Marriott’s 188-room AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront opened as part of the new mixed-use Yacht Club development adjacent to the V&A Waterfront. The property offers tech-friendly meeting spaces, dining venues, a fitness center and outdoor pool. Two other Marriott properties — a 5-star, 200-room Marriott Hotel Foreshore and a nearby 150-room Residence Inn — broke ground this year at Harbour Arch, an Amdec Group initiative set to become the largest mixed-use development project in the city.

“We are constantly striving for unique solutions for green spaces within our developments,” said Nicholas Stopforth, managing director, the Amdec Group. “We look to trends around urban gardening initia-

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tives and rooftop gardens, and we create parks for dog-walking and simply enjoying the benefits of being in nature. There are also many associated health benefits of life in mixed-use developments. The very nature of the lifestyle means you can walk to everything you need, including work, restaurants and the gym.”

The 483-room Westin Cape Town offers the Heavenly Spa by Westin, located on the 19th floor, with 15 deluxe treatment rooms and panoramic ocean and city views. Its property includes 19 individual meeting spaces, accommodating up to 600 delegates, plus 14,300 square feet of event space and is the only hotel in the city with direct connectivity to the CTICC. Several other hotel properties offer wellness amenities. The Silo Hotel opened in 2017 with 28 rooms and is uniquely built into a portion of the historic 1920s-era grain silo complex, occupying the six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The Silo Spa, located on the fourth floor of the hotel, offers a sauna, a gym and signature treatments using top wellness products. Zeitz MOCAA also opened in 2017 and houses a large collection of contemporary African art, as does The Silo Hotel above it. Both venues are independently owned properties but foster an exciting synergy between them.

The iconic 120-room Cape Grace Hotel offers meeting facilities as well as its Kalahari signature massage treatments at the Spa at Cape Grace, using naturally derived ingredients based on various plant oils, red sand, nourishing mud and rich mineral salts. The Spa also offers a skin-rejuvenating QMS Medicosmetics Anti-Ageing Treatment and a workout in the fully-equipped fitness studio on the top floor of the property, with views of Table Mountain.

Other downtown hotels for MICE groups include the Hilton Cape Town City Centre, with 15 meeting rooms; Southern Sun The Cullinan, situated at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront opposite the CTICC; and the Belmond Mount Nelson, an iconic property set in a lush garden estate. Radisson operates six properties in Cape Town, including the upscale Radisson Blu Waterfront and the new, all-studio suites Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, located near Zeitz MOCAA in the Silo District.

Cape Town residents working in the city’s major industries of IT, finance, engineering, design and hospitality definitely enjoy living the good life, and wellness and fitness routines are important to them. The city offers many global and South African brand fitness centers,

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LUXURY LIVING: Artist’s rendering of the Yacht Club development (above), and facial treatment at the Spa at Cape Grace (left) PHOTOS: © AMDEC GROUP, © CAPE GRACE HOTEL

UNIQUE VENUES

including Planet Fitness, Virgin Active, Zone Fitness and Curves. With more than 3,094 hours of sunlight annually, the same amount as San Diego, California, it is common to see bikers and runners on city streets; soccer, cricket and rugby games in the parks; and surfers on nearby beaches. In 2018 Surfer Magazine listed the Cape Town region as one of the top 10 surfing destinations in the world.

If time allows, visit one of the three Mami Wata surf shops in Cape Town, where big-wave films are shown and beautiful, primary-colored board shorts and T-shirts brandish surfing zebras and bananas. African surfboards are also for sale, hand-shaped by legendary South African craftsman Hugh Thompson. “Surfing in Africa is unlike anywhere else,” said Nick Dutton, cofounder and CEO of the 2-year-old South African Mami Wata surf brand. “We’re the new frontier.”

Last year, the Norval Foundation opened its stunning museum adjacent to Table Mountain National Park, 25 minutes from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, with panoramic views across vineyards and mountains.

The new venue houses one of the world’s largest private collections of South African contemporary art. The sculpture garden, outdoor amphitheater, exhibition spaces and restaurant — or the entire museum — can be rented for private events. norvalfoundation.org Landtscap is a working farm with plum and citrus trees and vineyards as well as a new, environmentally sustainable event and conference venue in the beautiful countryside in the Stellenbosch/Cape Winelands region, one hour from Cape Town. Designed on the ridge of a hill, meeting spaces are bathed in natural light and insulated by a living garden on the roof. The modular venue can accommodate 200 in cinema style, 160 for lunch or dinner, or 100 for corporate meetings. landtscap.co.za/corporate

flysaa.com

WHERE DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT

For the best in long-haul comfort, put yourself in the care of Africa’s most awarded airline. Enjoy our warm hospitality in Premium Business Class with fully flat seats for a good rest, gourmet cuisine, award-winning South African wines and a wide selection of on-demand entertainment.

Combine this with an extensive route network in Africa and it all makes for sweet dreams.

www.flysaa.com • 1-800-722-9675 or your professional travel consultant

Pearl, childhood cancer survivor; and Arnold, leukemia survivor.

Lori, breast cancer survivor.

MARVEL STUDIOS’

AVENGERS: ENDGAME, MASTERCARD, AND STAND UP TO CANCER ARE JOINING TOGETHER TODAY TO HELP TAKE DOWN ONE OF THE BIGGEST VILLAINS OF ALL: CANCER. JOIN US NOW AT STANDUPTOCANCER.ORG/MASTERCARD. STAND UP TO CANCER FUNDS GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH IN PURSUIT OF ITS MISSION TO MAKE EVERY PERSON DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER A LONG-TERM SURVIVOR. Pictured: Heroes from Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame.

Survivor photos by Kevin Lynch.

STAND UP TO CANCER IS A DIVISION OF THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION, A 501(C)(3) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. MASTERCARD IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK, AND THE CIRCLES DESIGN IS A TRADEMARK, OF MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AVENGERS: ENDGAME ONLY IN THEATERS APRIL © 2019 MARVEL

BUSINESS destinations

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VIENNA

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SEDONA

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LUXEMBOURG

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GENEVA

PHOTOS : © SEDONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM BUREAU, © IZABELA 23 - DREAMSTIME.COM

LEISURE destinations

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MELBOURNE

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said, n e e b e It has ted th a e r c but ‘God nyon, a C d .’

Gran edona S n i s e He liv

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MALDIVES

destination one | VIENNA

Imperial City of Song Vienna strikes just the right note for business and well-being. BY DEBRA BOKUR LOCAL COLOR: Vienna skyline PHOTO: © ADISA DREAMSTIME.COM

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EVEN WITH ITS LEGENDARY laid-back coffeehouse culture, distinguished concert performances and celebrated balls, a lot of work gets done in Vienna.

With its status as a federal state and the country’s political, economic and cultural epicenter, this riverside metropolis attracts leisure seekers, those in search of a healthy lifestyle and big business — all drawn by a combination of factors that include a skilled and educated workforce, a high standard of living and access to both cultural- and nature-based activities. Worth noting: Green space comprises nearly half of the busy city’s surface.

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The newly released Mercer Quality of Living survey ranking the best places to live just named Vienna first yet again, marking its position as the topmost desirable city for the 10th year in a row.

And those quality-of-life factors mentioned above aren’t just a collection of attributes valued by locals; they also draw business. Vienna serves as a prime gateway to Central and Eastern European markets. Today more than 200 multinational corporations operate headquarters here, with major employers including ATelekom Austria, ÖBB Holding AG, Heineken C&EE, Siemens Group

COMING AND GOING

U.S. citizens must have a passport valid six months beyond date of entry with at least one blank page. Stays of 90 days or less do not require a visa.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Austrian German

Austria, OMV AG, A-Tec Industries AG and PORR Group.

For travelers, the city’s legacy of music and the host of legendary composers who called it home may comprise the most familiar elements, but another layer of life in Vienna embraces nature. This includes a unique position as a wine-producing region within a major urban center, with 1,512 rolling acres and 155 wineries located within the city limits.

“The local wine industry actually predates the city’s history,” offers Viennese winemaker Rainer Christ, the latest generation in a family of winemakers extending back 400 years, well in keeping with Vienna’s historical setting. “When the Romans arrived around 2,000 years ago, there was already grape cultivation taking place.”

Today’s vines are largely grown on and around the sloping hillsides banking the Danube, and this wine heritage is protected by a stipulation that vineyards found within the city limits must be cultivated, offering a safeguard against real estate development of these enviable areas. The principal grape, says Christ, is Gemischter Satz, adding it takes about 62 acres of vineyards to produce approximately 120,000 bottles of wine.

When conditions are right, about once per decade, the region experiences a late-enough harvest for sweet wine production.

Studies, of course, have shown not only does wine contain

LODGING ANDAZ VIENNA AM BELVEDERE Part of the Hyatt collection, this swish new lifestyle hotel lies close to city center.

The strong focus on contemporary art and design is buttressed by serene luxury and outstanding service.

Arsenalstrasse 10 $$$$ DAS TRIEST, A DESIGN HOTEL Adding to luxury accommodation options in city center, this property offers bespoke furnishings

and a luscious dining menu by head chef Josef Neuherz, served at award-winning Collio Restaurant.

Wiedner Hauptstrasse 12 $$$$ SO/VIENNA This centrally located modern refuge presents an elegant, French art house vibe marked by thoughtful service, sleek contemporary guestrooms and a stunning 18th-floor bar and lounge space with wide views of the city.

Praterstrasse 1 $$$

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VINEYARD VISTA: Vineyard in Weissenkirchen PHOTO: © THIAGOGLEITE - DREAMSTIME.COM

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MASTERS OF ART:

Albertina Museum exterior (top) and display of Andy Warhol paintings inside (bottom) PHOTOS: © RADUB85 DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ Once the private dwelling of Ludwig van Beethoven, this wine tavern is a renowned address for Austrian dishes such as sauerkraut and roast pork accompanied by young Heuriger wines, served under a special license.

Pfarrplatz 2 $$ RESTAURANT OFENLOCH Linger in the Taproom of one of the city’s oldest restaurants, dating to 1704, and sip wine under vaulted ceilings. Visiting in spring? Enjoy the local wild garlic featured in Chef Christian Weber’s classically inspired dishes.

INFO TO GO

Kurrentgasse 8 $$$ SKOPIK & LOHN Nosh on classic Austrian fare and local wines served beneath a stunning ceiling fresco painted by artist Otto Zitko. Not to miss: chestnut gnocchi with nut butter, Brussels sprouts and grue de cacao.

Leopoldsgasse 17 $$$

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polyphenols that may (in moderation) support health, but also that a thoughtful glass of wine shared over a meal with friends or family is often part of a larger lifestyle profile that embraces an operating philosophy of valuing health and well-being. Like-minded visitors will be happy to know tradition and wine culture are alive and well throughout the city, often taking the delightful form of a Viennese heuriger, or wine tavern.

The economic impact of Vienna’s wine production coupled with a burgeoning gastronomy arena further contributes to the expansion of offerings that lead to well-being and an enhanced quality of life.

“We can talk about schnitzel because we have the best in the world, but we have a lot of exciting young chefs who are creating a [culinary] movement,” says Vienna-based chef Konstantin Filippou, recipient of two Michelin stars. “Tradition is important, but we can

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Vienna International Airport/ Flughafen Wien-Schwechat lies 11 miles east of the city.

Public transportation is welldeveloped. Express Train S7 rapid transit to Wien Mitte and Wien Praterstern leaves from the airport every 30 minutes for an approximate half-hour journey. Other options include twice-hourly ÖBB Railjet nonstop service to Vienna Main Station and Wien Meidling Station, the City Airport Train (CAT) connecting directly to central Wien Mitte station in about 16 minutes, and direct bus connections to city center via multiple routes. Official taxis are readily available with fares of roughly $50 to the center of Vienna. Most major rental car agencies are represented, and private car services can be arranged through multiple companies.

CHECKING IN WITH NORBERT KETTNER

Director, Vienna Tourist Board What upcoming development, program or opportunity makes you most excited about Vienna’s future?

In 2020 the city will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven. The musical genius came to Vienna at the age of 22 — and never left. However, in the world’s capital of music we do not celebrate Beethoven alone but music itself: in evocative original locations, at leading international concert and opera houses, at the best educational institutions and with a dynamic and creative music scene.

MUSICAL LEGEND:

Statue of Ludwig van Beethoven PHOTO: © FOTOMAREKKA - DREAMSTIME.COM

offer far more.”

But back, for a moment, to business. Postwar, at a time when many European cities were introducing new transportation networks, Vienna didn’t have the financial resources to replace its existing streetcar system. In retrospect, this turned out to be a strength, and getting around modern Vienna could hardly be easier. Today the city’s efficient public transportation network is expanding, with a new U5 line being added to the metro system, as well as an extension to the existing U2 line.

Vienna, of course, also remains the location of some of the most stunning museums and galleries in all of Europe, including the Leopold Museum, the Albertina and the Belvedere. Originally constructed as a palace, the Belvedere now houses the largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt — 24 paintings that include The Kiss. The collection

is particularly significant, given only 150 paintings

by Klimt exist worldwide.

The city projects the number of new beds by the end of 2020 will reach 5,755. The people who fill those beds will explore the abundant culinary pleasures, fine wines, extraordinary museum exhibitions and world-class musical offerings.

What they may not notice immediately are the scores of gardens and green spaces, the high level of professionalism in services and the efficiency of the transportation network — yet each of these elements contributes indelibly to what makes Vienna pitch-perfect. And those responsible for maintaining the city’s stellar status take that job quite seriously, always seeking new ways to improve life for both residents and guests.

“We can’t worship the ashes,” says Jasper Sharp, adjunct curator for modern and contemporary art, Kunsthistorisches Museum. “For instance, galleries are moving here because of the pace of life. Now, eight or 10 new galleries have challenged the status quo. That’s a good thing.

We need to light the fires for the future instead of simply continuing to polish the legacy.”

Can you comment on Vienna as a brand?

The Vienna brand is not ours. It belongs to all who contribute to what the city stands for, those who initiate projects which take Vienna forward and those who leave their mark on Vienna’s DNA. This can be people who live here permanently, those who find a home here temporarily or visitors who only stop through. Today we speak of a “visitor economy” rather than tourism. This new term helps to demonstrate the shift in responsibility. While our main goal used to be to attract more visitors, our duties today are much more varied and multilayered. We take care of all of our stakeholders, and we consistently work on securing a healthy visitor economy with digestible growth rates, increasing profits, decentralized sites of interest and — of great importance — high acceptance with the locals. Therefore, we constantly monitor how Vienna’s inhabitants perceive tourism. I’m glad to see the latest figures reveal 94 percent of the Viennese show a positive attitude toward tourism in their hometown.

What’s something most visitors to Vienna are unlikely to be aware of that you’d like to share?

This year we celebrate 100 years since the establishment of so-called “Red Vienna.” From 1919 to the early 1930s, important concepts like social and health policy to education and housing were implemented, systems the city still profits from today and which are imitated by other global cities. These are some of the essential pillars that account for the city’s high quality of living.

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THERMAL THERAPY:

Thermae Wein spa relaxation (top left), steam room (top right), fitness center (bottom left), and pool (bottom right) PHOTOS: © THERMAE WEIN

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DIVERSIONS

Balanced living proves a high priority with the Viennese population, and this healthy worklife equation includes taking advantage of the city’s wellness offerings. Take your cue from the locals and plan a half-day visit to the city’s colossal Therme Wien spa complex, where natural thermal springs feed 26 separate pools. Though slightly pungent, the soothing water contains high levels of sulfur, making it especially good for relaxing muscles and easing joint pain and digestive woes.

The winner of multiple accolades within the wellness industry, Therme Wien offers a series of stations positioned along a stream, with inspiring names such as Rock of Beauty, Rock of Peace, SaunaRock, AdventureRock and FitnessRock. Enormous spa zones punctuate these stations featuring heated benches

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and comfy loungers (2,500 in total), indoor and outdoor pools, a wild water canal and an aromatherapy room fitted with waterbeds and a dramatic grotto pool.

The spa includes the site of Austria’s first thermal baths library, and for breaks between soaks, visitors can choose to doze in the fire lounge, enjoy an audio book or be entertained in the on-site cinema. If you’d like to include a workout as part of your visit, the Therme Wien Fitness zone features state-of-the-art equipment, while an area dubbed Brine World offers a selection of 25 saunas and steam baths, plus a salt-soaked Floatarium. How to wrap up your soaking sojourn? Stroll through the gardens, or enjoy coffee and a treat at the Kurkonditorei Oberlaa pastry shop next door, where chocolaty concoctions are a specialty.

JUST THE FACTS

Time zone: GMT +1 Phone code: Country code: 43 City code: 1 Currency: Euro Key industries: Production of goods, construction, trade, visitor economy (accommodation and gastronomy), communications and real estate

stateside | SEDONA

Seeking Serenity Reconnect with nature in picturesque and peaceful Sedona. BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH SOAK IN THE SCENERY: Meditating at Red Rock State Park PHOTO : © SEDONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM BUREAU

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SEDONA IS ALL ABOUT mind, body and soul. People come to this Arizona haven seeking solace, healing and adventure. No doubt, no one goes home disappointed. The moment your eyes set on the massive red rocks, the awe puts you on the path for transformation.

Nothing is ordinary in Sedona, which lies two hours north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of the Flagstaff peaks. At Red Rock State Park you can take a guided hike with SPEX Sedona Philosophy Experience. Start your walk with meditation by a gurgling creek and let the adventure begin — and, possibly, the tears flow. You think you’re merely going to make your way to the top

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of a peak, but it’s much more than that as you tell your life story and learn from the wisdom of great minds like Socrates, Descartes and Aristotle shared by your guide. Suddenly things make sense.

Keep the flow going with a visit to one of the 15 spas. A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa and Sedona’s New Day Spa prove two of the best. Don’t expect what you’ve experienced elsewhere. At Sedona’s New Day Spa, treatments include Native Wisdom Spa Rituals like Wheel of Life Gem Stones Reading, Sweat Lodge and Vision Quest. The Desert Nature Body Treatments feature Turquoise Sage Mountain Arnica and the Cedarwood Citrus Wild Chapparal.

Not only can you feed your soul in Sedona, but the cuisine is impressive, too.

You’ll discover places like Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Cress on Oak Creek and Elote Café showing off the area’s finest gastronomy. But then there’s the quirky, comfortable, make-you-feel-good Chocola Tree Organic Oasis restaurant with its gluten-free, vegetarian, no-processed-sugar, ultra-healthy, tasty, creative food. Its marketplace offers food, supplements, essential oils, local artists’ crafts and jewelry, books and more. What makes it really special is the backyard and a patio area with tables and chairs for dining and gardens where some of the produce is used in the restaurant. There are a couple of hammocks and aerial space (think Cirque du Soleil) where people can “play at their own risk.” They offer educational programs at the restaurant including meditation, gardening (so

people can learn to grow their own food), food as medicine workshops, live food classes, om chanting and more. All that and they make awesome, healthy chocolate. It’s so Sedona. Sweeter still, there are wineries and breweries in the area.

No trip to Sedona is complete without soaking up the sacred vortex energy said to open your mind and have healing powers. Sedona has the distinction of having five vortices.

The favorites are at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. Each is unique; some rev you up, some put you in chill mode. After your encounter expect to feel different, rejuvenated.

Enhance your experience with great talk during your exploration. Take a guided tour with Sedona Soul Adventures.

There’s no shortage of places to do yoga in Sedona, even at a vortex, through Aumbase Adventures.

Similarly, you can find Reiki treatments, meet with psychics and get tarot readings in this town. The sky is so clear you’ll want to take the Sedona Stargazing tour with astronomers.

If your preferred therapy is of the retail kind, no worries; you can find an array of art galleries, boutiques and shops to cure what ails you. As for places to serve as your home away from home, they range from uber luxe resorts like L’Auberge de Sedona and villas to creekside cabins, Airbnbs and everything in between. For sure the Sky Ranch Lodge features one of the best Red Rock views, overlooking Sedona 500 feet below.

As much as Sedona is about peace of mind, it embraces tourism, comprising about 70–75 percent of the economy. The goal is continuous improvement. “Three new hotels are likely to open in the next 18–24 months; we’re exploring ways to make the community even more bikeable and walkable and to expand our bike lanes and come up with better parking solutions,” says Molly Spangler,

ICONIC ROCKS:

Cathedral Creek (top), and a family hiking PHOTOS : © SEDONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM BUREAU

SCENIC DRIVES

director of economic development, City of Sedona.

In the next two years many organizations and the U.S. Forest Service Red Rock Ranger District will work on the Western Gateway trail system project to give hikers, bikers and equestrian riders 27 new miles of trails, according to Kegn Moorcraft, director of communications, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board.

What makes Sedona a great place for business or pleasure? Says Moorcroft, “Your spirit will soar and rejoice in the silence of nature when you explore Red Rock Country. Seek off-the-beatenpath sites and reconnect to the Earth, your family, your partner, your children and your friends.”

On a drive from Sedona to Phoenix, you might have a hard time focusing, as the views of the Red Rocks and vistas are hypnotic. It’s not only picturesque but also peaceful. Along much of the 115 miles you’re in no man’s land, so you won’t have to worry about heavy traffic.

In less than three hours, you can go from one natural phenomenon to another as you journey to the Grand Canyon. The drive from Sedona, north through Oak Creek Canyon, a 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls, proves incredible, and you haven’t even gotten to the Grand Canyon yet. Be prepared to be wowed by Mother Nature from start to finish.

Head to Payson, Arizona. After leaving Sedona and passing through Camp Verde, you’ll go through a town called Strawberry.

It’s rustic, charming and home to the oldest schoolhouse in Arizona, built in 1885. The nearly 90-mile drive to Payson includes twisty roads in the High Pines. Make a pit stop at the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Once in Payson, hike, bike or drive to the Mongollon Rim, a 7,000-foot escarpment that exhibits a dramatic drop of more than 2,000 feet to the valley below.

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9–5 | LUXEMBOURG

Economic Epicenter Get to know clients in well-connected Luxembourg City.

BY TERESA BITLER

CULTURAL CENTER: Neumünster Abbey on the Alzette River PHOTO: © SERGEY NOVIKOV DREAMSTIME.COM

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ONE OF THREE HEADQUARTERS for the European Union — along with Brussels, Belgium, and Strasbourg, France — Luxembourg City’s location, natural resources and diversity make it one of Europe’s most important business cities. Amazon, Skype, iTunes, PayPal and similar multinationals maintain European headquarters here, not to mention many others who operate offices in the city.

The Gibraltar of the North, however, had much humbler beginnings. Initially it was just a castle; but because that castle was surrounded by ravines, it evolved into a strategic fortress fought over by the French, Germans, Dutch and others.

Every time a new country took control, the city absorbed some of the conquering country’s customs and people who remained behind. In fact, control shifted so regularly, the country of Luxembourg didn’t really have its own cultural identity until the 1867 Treaty of London forced the

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destruction of the city’s fortifications.

Soon after the discovery of iron ore here in the late 1800s, Luxembourg became one of the world’s wealthiest nations, and, as its capital, Luxembourg City became the country’s economic epicenter. International banking began to flourish in the city, followed by other industries including telecommunications and agriculture.

Today more than 160 nationalities live and work in Luxembourg City. Since real estate is expensive, many workers commute from elsewhere in the country or nearby France, Germany and Belgium. As a result, the city’s population swells from roughly 120,000 to more than 200,000 on weekdays during business hours.

Many of the commuters drive, making traffic a major issue. In an attempt to reduce congestion, Luxembourg City is investing heavily in public transportation. An extensive bus system already connects most of the city, including the Old City, once protected by the fortification’s now-destroyed walls; the Grund in the ravines below; and the business district of Kirchberg. The new 600-foot funicular, opened in 2017, connects the Grund to Kirchberg.

Plans are underway to eventually connect public trans-

portation to the city’s central bus station and Luxembourg International Airport, less than four miles away in suburban Findel. By 2020 all existing public transportation will be free of charge in this small, safe and walkable city.

It’s worth noting Luxembourg does not permit Uber to operate in the country, and taxis are extremely expensive.

Most Luxembourg citizens speak at least three languages, making it easy to navigate the city and conduct business in it. In grade school students begin lessons in Luxembourgish, a German dialect with French words, and later learn German and French. They often study English, and some even speak a native language, like Portuguese, at home.

Business etiquette in Luxembourg is formal. Luxembourgers expect business meetings to begin on time and be brief unless conducted over a meal. Choose from several meeting spaces available for rent throughout the city, including ones at Neumünster Abbey and hotels like Le Place d’Armes and Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal. Meetings generally are not conducted in informal places like coffee shops.

For a business meeting over lunch or dinner, head to Place d’Armes, a centrally located square in the Old City known as “the parlor of Luxembourg.” Brasserie du Cercle, Le Grand Café and the restaurants inside the Hotel Le Place d’Armes all offer good choices. Am Tiirmschen, located near the Bock Casemates fortification walls in the Old City, serves traditional Luxembourg dishes such as smoked pork with beans, bacon and dumplings.

Business lunches typically begin at 1 p.m. and last two hours, while dinners usually begin at 8 p.m. or later and last even longer. This allows time to get to know associates, but avoid getting too personal. Luxembourgers are private and find personal questions intrusive.

Restaurants in Luxembourg tend to serve French dishes in large portions, so after lunch or before a heavy dinner schedule time for a workout. Green spaces comprise nearly one-quarter of the city, providing plenty of opportunities for walking and jogging. If you are based in the Kirchberg business district, the trails behind Fort Thüngen and the Museum of Modern Art lead into a forested area that feels miles from the surrounding city.

Or get your steps in on the 3.5-mile Circuit Wenzel, which begins at the Bock Casemates. You can walk or jog the well-marked

LAVISH HOSPITALITY: Footpath along the Alzette River in the Grund district (above), and a meeting room at the Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal (left) PHOTOS: © MADRABOTHAIR DREAMSTIME.COM, © SOFITEL

circuit with the stairs down into the Grund and back out, without stopping, or make it a sightseeing tour with a visit to the casemate fortifications and a detour through the Old City.

If you have additional downtime, purchase a one-, two- or three-day Luxembourg Card, allowing free access to more than 60 attractions as well as free second-class transportation throughout the country. Or focus on free local sites like Cathédrale NotreDame; the Grand Ducal Palace; or the outlying Luxembourg American Military Cemetery, the final resting place of U.S. Gen. George S. Patton.

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after 5 | GENEVA

Night Shift Buttoned up by day, Geneva knows how to unwind after work. BY IRENE RAWLINGS

AT THE SOUTHERN TIP of Lake Geneva — surrounded by soaring, snow-capped mountains — Geneva is a global hub for international diplomacy and banking and houses the headquarters of the Red Cross and Europe’s United Nations. France surrounds the city on three sides, and its influence permeates everything: language, food, fashion and a lively bar and club scene.

When they leave work, Genevans head outdoors. During the summer months (with up to 15 hours of daylight), they enjoy jogging or biking along the tree-lined promenade on Lake Geneva’s shores. Rent a bike (free for four hours) from one of many Genève Roule locations. Cycle over to the Jet d’Eau, one of the world’s largest fountains and especially spectacular when illuminated at night. Take a dip in the lake at the wildly popular Bains des Pâquis. Book a massage or hammam in the spa. It lies just behind La Buvette, an outdoor restaurant with reasonably priced fondue and priceless views.

Popular after-work watering holes include Riverside Café, offering drinks and food on a terrace overlooking the Rhone

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River, and Rooftop 42, a showstopping new bar with live music and amazing city views. Check out FloorTwo Bar in the Grand Hôtel Kempinski, featuring remarkable views of the Alps and innovative cocktails and a DJ at night. Arthur’s Rive Gauche, a jazz bar with velvet armchairs, boasts an impressive wine list and a heavenly terrace.

Take an Uber or tram to the bohemian district of Old Carouge — the winding streets are perfect for shopping and strolling (especially from Rue St.-Joseph to Place du Marché).

Stop for a brew and a bite at über-local tapas bar Qu’importe.

Evenings, regulars swear by Bar du Nord, with more than 500 single malts to choose from. In-the-know locals sip classic cocktails and listen to jazz and blues in the cellar of Chat Noir Club (electronic dance music after midnight).

Since the 1940s the Swiss have stood at the forefront championing gay and lesbian rights. Geneva remains one of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, hosting dozens of gay venues.

Two popular spots are the stylish Le Phare with its young, chatand-chill vibe and kitschy Le Déclic, the city’s oldest gay bar.

AFTER DARK:

Enjoying drinks at an outdoor café in Geneva PHOTO: © GENÈVE TOURISME

rk -da r e t af Top ations in dest tart ’t s til don n ing u buzz ter af well ht, but n nig mid tay ope s t mos a.m. l5 i t n u

neighborhoods | MELBOURNE

Funky Fitzroy Melbourne’s first suburb evolves into a hipster heartland. BY JAN SCHRODER

HIP HAVEN:

CONSISTENTLY NAMED one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne offers plenty for visitors to do as well.

Known as Australia’s cultural and sporting capital, this city of almost 5 million on the Yarra River attracts visitors who stroll its cobbled laneways, attend cricket matches, explore the lively arts scene and enjoy world-class dining.

Those wanting to experience the city’s bohemian scene make their way to Fitzroy, Melbourne’s first suburb, located less than a mile north of the city center. In the early 20th century, the area had become slum territory but experienced a resurgence in the 1980s. Attracted by low rents, artists began moving in, which attracted other creatives, and now the neighborhood flourishes with art galleries, coffee shops and local designers’ boutiques.

You’ll find locally made items from more than 100 artisans at Rose Street Artists’ Market, held every Saturday and Sunday. Check out the stores along Gertrude Street for records, second-hand books and vintage clothing.

Melbourne is one of the world’s leading street art cities, and a Fitzroy Street Art Tour includes a history of the area and the story of the ever-evolving street art scene.

Fitzroy boasts just about every type of cuisine, from falafels to fried chicken. Vegans will want to check out Yong

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Blooming Happy Yoga (left), and dessert at Smith & Daughters (right)

Green Food, Trippy Taco and Smith & Daughters, where PHOTOS: © BLOOMING HAPPY YOGA, © SMITH guests rave about the desserts and the ragu and polenta & DAUGHTERS dish. If you wonder what the world’s best croissant tastes like, get in line at Lune Croissanterie. For a fine-dining experience, grab a seat at Cutler & Co., housed in an old metalworks factory and voted one of the top restaurants in Australia.

Take in killer views of MelAUSTRALIA bourne with an adult beverage from a rooftop bar like Naked in the Sky, featuring beer, ciders, infused vodkas and tapas-style Brisbane dishes.

Keep your fitness routine going with a trip to one of Perth Melbourne’s most popular Sydney parks, Edinborough Gardens, where you can run or play tennis or basketball. Bring your workout Melbourne clothes for “pay as you feel” yoga classes offered

by Blooming Happy Yoga. The park offers access to the Main Yarra Trail, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.

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friends & family | BALI

Bali Break

Take time to recharge with the island’s wealth of wellness offerings.

BY KRISTY ALPERT

I TOOK MY SEAT on the floor beneath a large wooden pergola alongside a handful of fellow travelers sporting sun-kissed tans and eager eyes. A trio of girlfriends in their 40s huddled together to my right while a cleanshaven man, who seemingly swapped his business suit for board shorts, took his place with his teenage son and daughter to my left. We had obviously each come to Bali for different reasons but all ended up in the same place for the same experience. We settled into silence as the renowned Balinese healer Cokorda Rai appeared from a tiny farmhouse adjacent to the pergola, chickens clucking at his feet as he made his way toward us on a makeshift pathway of mismatched rugs.

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People travel from around Bali — and around the world — to spend 10 minutes with the skilled healer, whose method of healing combines Reiki, acupressure and intuition. Over the years Rai brought enlightenment and healing to thousands of visitors who look to him for treatment of a number of ailments, including fertility issues, sleep disorders, illnesses and more.

As the man was called to the front, his son leaned in and whispered to me about how his dad visits the healer every year while in town for work, but this would be the boy’s and his sister’s first time to sit with the same healer who cured their father of his debilitating migraine headaches.

Business travelers, just like the man I met that day, have begun taking advantage of more than just Bali’s beautiful beaches and delicious foods while in town for work. The island’s wellness offerings allow for ample opportunities to unwind and recharge before, during and after meetings, especially when done alongside visiting friends and family members.

Bali’s proximity to Australia and numerous flights from Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta make the destination ideal for bringing the family and friends along for a few days of relaxation while in town for business. One of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, the island stretches 95 miles east to west and 70 miles north to south. Despite the island’s seemingly small size, driving

INFO TO GO

The majority of flights arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport come from Jakarta (CGK), Indonesia’s busiest airport, but more than 150 flights each day also arrive from destinations like Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (HND, NRT), Singapore (SIN), Sydney (SYD), Bangkok (BKK) and Melbourne (MEL). Rental car services are available at the terminal, as are a number of taxis, vans, scooters and executive cars. Uber, while an option in Bali, is fairly new, so it’s often a safer bet to just order a taxi or pre-book an executive car for any longer journeys.

around Bali can take longer than expected due to traffic and the abundance of small winding roads, so it’s best to keep the trip to one or two regions during a shorter stay to make the most of the time on the island.

The island’s six different regions each add another vital element to Bali’s wellearned moniker as the ultimate paradise. South Bali, known for its vibrant nightlife, is the most visited region on the island and includes the towns of Kuta, Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Seminyak. The buzzing city of Kuta features one of the most famous (and busiest) beaches on the island but is also where families can find two of the island’s top waterparks, Waterbom Bali and Armada Flow House Bali.

The resorts along Nusa Dua are among the best in the country, especially The Mulia Resort & Villas, an elegant enclave set along the pristine beaches of Nusa Dua Bay. The fitness center at the resort offers complimentary classes for both adults and children throughout the day, including a full range of activities for families and friends to get out and explore along the water and sand. Nearby Legian Beach proves a surfer’s paradise, while the chic shores of Seminyak offer stylish nights on the town.

The Uluwatu temple on the Bukit Peninsula and the temple of Tanah Lot, two mustvisit sites in this region, both provide exceptional photo opportunities at sunset.

Bali’s quiet, offshore Southeastern Islands attract divers from around the world who come to explore the waters off Nusa Penida in hopes of spotting any number of the 247 species of coral, 562 species of fish and the elusive green and olive Ridley turtles. North Bali’s secluded black-sand beaches attract a more laid-back crew, where the accommodations and spas of the region reflect the low-key attitude with an air

NATURAL HABITAT:

(Left to right) The Pura Taman Saraswati temple, gracefully built in the middle of a lotus pond in Ubud; a water slide at Waterbom Bali; The Mulia Resort & Villas beach; and a photo op at dawn on top of the Mount Batur volcano PHOTOS: © GRETA GABAGLIO - DREAMSTIME.COM, © SKYRIALBALI - DREAMSTIME.COM, © KRISTY ALPERT, © TASHKA2000 - DREAMSTIME.COM

LODGING AYANA RESORT AND SPA Perched high upon the cliffs overlooking Jimbaran Bay, AYANA’s already sumptuous experience is elevated with the resort’s famous Rock Bar and Spa on the Rocks.

Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bay $$$$$ MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE Named after the Sanskrit word for “temple,” Mandapa is a

luxurious sanctuary with 24-hour butler service in all of the 35 suites and 25 private pool villas.

Jalan Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud $$$$$ THE MULIA RESORT & VILLAS Three separate resort accommodations await travelers at The Mulia Resort & Villas, where guests can lounge in cabanas beside one of the most luxurious pools in Bali.

Nusa Dua $$$$$

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ISLAND LANDSCAPE:

Worker at a rice field (top), and yoga (bottom) PHOTOS: © KRISTY ALPERT

DINING ALCHEMY Bali’s first 100 percent vegan restaurant will delight veggie lovers and omnivores alike with its decadent take on healthy cuisine.

Jalan Penestanan Kelod No. 75, Ubud $$ KUBU Set along the Ayung River in Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Kubu serves its MediterraneanEuropean cuisine to guests within romantic bamboo enclaves perfect for two.

Mandapa, A RitzCarlton Reserve, Jalan Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud $$$ THE ROCK BAR AYANA Resort and Spa’s famous Rock Bar may be known for its sunset views, but the dinner menu and tapas plates prove equally as memorable.

Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bay $$

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of natural hospitality. The stilted waterfront restaurants on Jalan Erlangga in the former capital city of Singaraja make great pit stops for lunch after a morning of dolphin-watching off the coast of Lovina.

The coastal villages along East Bali feature some of the leastvisited and most attractive beaches on the island, many featuring black sand from the nearby volcano, Mount Batur. Hiking the volcano takes about two hours and is best done in the early hours of the day so as to enjoy the stunning sunrise from the peak.

Many tour operators, like Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking, offer all-inclusive packages for families and friends that include pick-up and drop-off from the hotel, a local guide up the mountain, water, flashlights, a modest breakfast at the peak and a lunch at the base of the volcano after the hike. The beaches of Amed prove perfect for escaping the crowds for a private day in the sun, while the village of Tenganan, just a short drive inland from Candidasa, offers the chance to see and purchase from some of the best basket weavers in the whole of Indonesia.

Central Bali is the heartbeat of the island, where wellness and luxury combine within this vibrant mountainous region. Bedugul’s rice terraces create a great landscape for exploring or a perfect backdrop for a local lunch of nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) or urab (steamed vegetables with a coconut dressing). Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali, is known for its art and its peaceful way of life. The village of Ubud overflows with yoga and massage studios, the most popular being Yoga Barn, near the Monkey Forest, for its massive array of wellness offerings that include lifestyle counseling, sound healing, Reiki and Ayurvedic spa treatments.

The shopping street of Jalan Raya is freckled with boutique shops selling everything from organic clothing to handpressed essential oils (Blue Stone Botanicals) and also boasts some of the top vegan restaurants on the island, including Alchemy and The Elephant.

Things shut down in Ubud early due to a strict 10:30 p.m. noise ordinance that allows visitors to rest soundly to the peaceful flow of the Ayung River. Just off the river, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton JUNE 2019

Reserve, offers one of the most serene accommodation options in the country. This exclusive reserve sits on a working rice paddy and includes spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury villas for guests. The wellness offerings at the resort range from private yoga sessions with I Ketut Yoga (Nanda) to traditional Balinese massages at the spa and sleep support therapy treatments designed to restore hormone balance and promote holistic sleeping patterns.

The final region of West Bali is by far the least-populated of any of the regions — and one of the best-kept secrets for nature lovers and surfers. West Bali National Park is one of the few places on the planet to spot the Bali starling, one of the rarest birds in the world, while Medewi Beach proves a surfer’s dream with some of the longest waves in Bali. Its unassuming bamboo shacks along the beach serve up ice-cold drinks and inadvertently gourmet plates of ayum betutu (a local specialty of hot and spicy chicken slow-smoked for no less than three hours) that will linger on the tongues and in the memories of your family and friends of time spent savoring the island of Bali.

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bucket list | MACHU PICCHU

In the Clouds Embark on a journey to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. BY JACK GUY

MAGICAL AND MYSTICAL: (Left to right) Hiking the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and steps to a ruin overlooking the Sacred Valley PHOTOS: © THOMAS BARRAT DREAMSTIME.COM, © IZABELA 23 DREAMSTIME.COM, © PAVALACHE STELIAN - DREAMSTIME.COM

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PERU IS A HUGE COUNTRY that packs in a long Pacific coastline, the spine of the Andes mountain range and the sprawling expanse of the Amazon rainforest.

With such diverse environments within easy reach of each other — you can drive from Lima to the jungle in a day — it’s no wonder Peru proves a popular destination for adventurous travelers. One of the biggest attractions remains the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which sits in the forested mountains near the city of Cuzco. Reaching the site presents a bit of a logistical challenge, but countless visitors per year can attest it’s worth the effort.

Machu Picchu is one of the most photogenic tourist attractions in the world, a monument to human ingenuity that appears to hover over the steep peaks and canyons of the Andes. But photos cannot do it justice. To truly understand why the Incas chose to build their greatest city here, you have to see with your own eyes the mist whipping over the temples and palaces, and climb the steep stone terraces to the Sun Gate. Built around 1450–1460, Machu Picchu was abandoned just 100 years later. However, the colonizing

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Spanish never found the city despite their victory over the Incas in 1572. It took until 1911 for Machu Picchu to be revisited by foreigners, namely Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The incredible images he brought back revealed a remarkably well-preserved site that retains its magic despite huge numbers of visitors today.

To get here, you can take a flight into Cuzco’s international airport or travel overland on one of the many tourist buses. Once you reach Cuzco, choose from a number of ways to continue your journey to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu itself. One option, the train, drops you off at the town of Aguas Calientes near the site, after a three-hour ride. Two companies — Peru Rail and Inca Rail — make the journey, although it’s worth noting neither has permission to run tourist services from Cuzco’s central station. To board the train, you will have to take a bus or taxi to Poroy, some eight miles from the city center. Choose from a number of ticket options, from a basic seat to Peru Rail’s luxurious Hiram Bingham offer. It includes gourmet food, cocktails and entertainment on board as well as entrance to Machu Picchu and a guided tour. For

those who are able, however, it is best to embark on a hike to the ancient citadel.

The most famous route to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail, a four-day trek following ancient paths through the mountains. A mere portion of the tens of thousands of miles of trails built by the Inca Empire around 500 years ago, the section around Machu Picchu is usually just a few yards wide. Trekking these trails made from large rocks arranged in steep steps makes for a serious workout, and some historians say that’s because they were designed with llamas in mind.

While the Incas expanded their empire using these routes, the section we now know as the Inca Trail was only used for pilgrimages. The 26-mile trail winds through cloud forest, alpine tundra and jungle, passing a succession of archaeological sites before reaching Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun), where you will be able to see Machu Picchu laid out below you.

Because of the popularity of the classic Inca Trail route, visitor numbers are restricted and the trail is closed periodi-

cally. Make sure to check the latest information and book ahead of travel to ensure you get a place. If you can’t hike the classic route, the Salkantay Trek offers an alternative. This route involves a night in the town of Aguas Calientes rather than arrival directly through the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, but it features slightly lower prices and equally beautiful scenery.

Another option involves taking public transport through the Sacred Valley to the village of Santa Teresa before embarking on a one-day hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. It proves an interesting route — and by far the cheapest option. Extend the jaunt with a night in Santa Teresa on the way back, and you can spend an evening in the town’s thermal pools to rest your weary legs.

Whichever way you choose to get there, Machu Picchu should not to be missed. A true wonder of the world, it will make you feel like a member of a special club as you gaze out over the spectacular ruins with the jagged Andes as a backdrop.

INFO TO GO

Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cuzco, the closest airport to Machu Picchu, offers domestic flights to and from Lima (LIM), Arequipa (AQP), Puerto Maldonado (PEM) and Juliaca (JUL). Less frequent international flights connect to Santiago de Chile (SCL), La Paz (LAP) and Bogotá (BOG). The Cuzco airport lies just more than three miles from the middle of town. Local buses known as “combis” run frequently, but a private shuttle or taxi transfer offers the best option if you have a lot of luggage.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PORTUGAL

FUNCHAL The capital of Portugal’s Madeira region proves a huge draw for tourists thanks to its cultural and historical value. The first settlers to land on the island chose the name thanks to the abundance of fennel.

Since their arrival in the early 1400s, Funchal has grown into one of the most popular destinations in Portugal, and for good reason. Mild temperatures all year and an abundance of beauty make the island — and city in particular — an excellent destination for any MICE travelers.

FUNCHAL WATERFRONT

GETTING THERE Getting to Funchal, Portugal, is surprisingly easy. It is served by Madeira Airport (FNC), commonly known as Funchal Airport. No airlines offer non-stop service to Funchal Airport from the United States, but you can fly to Portugal directly on TAP Air Portugal and then connect onward.

GETTING AROUND As capital cities go, Funchal is relatively manageable to navigate. If you don’t plan on doing any outside adventuring on your visit and you’re only in town for meetings, you can navigate easily by bus. A one-week pass for unlimited bus rides runs about €15. Stick to the orange buses, and you can get around the city all week. Red buses go west of Funchal while green buses go east, should you want to explore. If all else fails, renting a car is a viable option, especially if you are looking to do some hiking or nature sightseeing.

9–5 A CONFEITARIA

A comfortable and satisfying breakfast is paramount to any productive day. Start your day right with a trip to A Confeitaria.

This small café serves breakfast, coffee and other drinks. If you arrive in the morning on a nice day, you will definitely want to sit outside while drinking your coffee. Bring your laptop for some earlymorning work and get ahead of the curve for the rest of the day.

PHOTO: © ATGIMAGES - DREAMSTIME.COM

COWORK FUNCHAL

HISTORICAL CITY CENTER

Versatile meeting spots can seem tough to find. Luckily, Funchal offers a variety of options, including one that won’t require renting out an entire hotel’s meeting accommodations. Cowork Funchal gives collaborators and meeting participants a great place to meet.

Open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, Cowork Funchal offers drinks, security, a library and more.

Book your party’s space before you arrive in Funchal to make sure you have somewhere to work.

PHOTO: © ANTON ZELENOV - DREAMSTIME.COM

TABERNA MADEIRA

FUNCHAL WATERFRONT

You’ll want to reserve a table for your lunch here, but it is definitely worth it for hosting a client over a business lunch. Taberna Madeira has something on the menu to suit your appetite. Light soups and salads, heavy meat dishes and delicacies like octopus all show up. There is also plenty of room to spread out and work collaboratively if that is more your style.

For some excellent sightseeing where you won’t be constrained by the hour, take a trip to the Funchal Waterfront. This open-air waterfront area is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the shore. Take in the sights of the ocean, or catch views of Funchal from the water. A newly constructed Praça do Povo offers guests a great chance to unwind and take in the sights in a relaxing environment.

AFTER 5

O TASCO

FLAIR SPOT BAR

For an authentic dinner, consider bringing your meeting partners to O Tasco. Every menu item is indicative of authentic Portuguese cuisine, and the restaurant exudes an aura of comfort, enticing guests to get comfortable and relax. The restaurant is perfect for groups of all sizes, making it the great place for a team to get together after a long day of meetings.

If you are looking for eccentric and eclectic cocktails before or after dinner, Flair Spot Bar is your next stop. Expert bartenders can make anything your heart desires, and this cocktail bar proves a great spot to unwind after dinner. An awesome atmosphere cements Flair Spot’s place as a mustvisit when in Funchal.

kicking back | MALDIVES

Remote R&R Be lulled into repose and relaxation in the Maldives. BY BECCA HENSLEY FAR AND AWAY: (Left to right) Seaplane at Malé Airport; and Niyama Tribal pods with view from beach, Drift Spa garden, and entrance to Nest restaurant

PHOTOS: © MYROSLAVABOZHKO DREAMSTIME.COM, © NIYAMA

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“TRAVELING — IT LEAVES YOU speechless, then turns you into a storyteller,” exclaimed peripatetic medieval sailor and explorer Ibn Batuta, who cruised through the Maldives — as well as most of the Muslim world — over a period of about 30 years during the 14th century. Though he penned his observations and adventures about many majestic destinations, from West Africa to the Middle East, I imagine him on the deck of his white-sail-bedecked ship, scribing these thoughts at the moment he first caught sight of the Maldives, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

I’m quite speechless myself at first glimpse of this faraway nation, which consists of nearly 2,000 islands, some as tiny as a stone. Scattered like a broken string of pearls from the southern tip of India to the equator, only 10 percent are occupied, many by individual

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resorts, most of them accessible only by a combination of small seaplane and boat. Some have tiny communities of people who live off the fruits of the sea. Some are nearly deserted. Only the capital city, Malé, can be described as a metropolis — and it hardly qualifies at all. Most islands lie so far from one another in the Indian Ocean’s multiplicity of blues, no other land mass exists within sight.

While I envy Batuta’s slow sail around the Maldives and its hinterlands (three decades is a long time), I can’t complain that my flight by diminutive seaplane takes only an hour to Niyama Private Island Maldives from Malé International Airport — though the trip to get to Malé in the first place lasted the better part of two days. As I zoom over the water, the vista suggests a Van Gogh-painted sky, as if the water were a mirror.

Cobalt and aqua swirls and ripples open to crystalline expanses as busy as a well-stocked aquarium. Large fish, like torpedoes, scoot through the water; I can even see leaping dolphins from my bird’s-eye vantage point.

Soon an island pops into sight. It looks a bit like a lotus blossom bobbing in the water. When the plane lands softly on the waves, near a pier, the craft transforms into a kind of boat puttering over to the

INFO TO GO

Getting to the Maldives isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. Fly via any number of international airlines into Velana International Airport on Hulhule Island. Normally, a representative from your resort will greet you at customs then escort you to the appropriate transportation mode to get to your retreat. Most hotels are located on private islands spread across the archipelago.

You’ll get there by speedboat, seaplane or ferry — possibly a combination of all three.

dock — as canny as a vehicle dreamed up by Dr. Seuss. In further storybook fashion, a horde of festively dressed greeters applauds our arrival, some singing, others strumming instruments, many proffering cocktails served in coconuts.

Sun-dappled, with an emerald jungle at its core, this island — like every Maldivian isle I’ve seen — boasts blindingly bright-white beaches with chichi overwater bungalows and beach cottages spread throughout.

Splurge-worthy Niyama, however, comprises two islands, called Chill and Play, connected by a bridge. Named for their primary vacation function (after all, you don’t actually want to work here, do you?), each island lulls you immediately into recreation and repose mode. Chill is meant to be a bit more tranquil and romantic, while Play, family-friendly, attracts sports buffs and groups. Its stellar kids’ club, Explorers, amounts to a resort in itself. Nevertheless, I stay in an overwater bungalow on Chill, ideal for adults.

My supremely appointed suite features crisp interiors, awash in whites and blues, mimicking the outdoors. An eye-popping grand room opens to a pool, hot tub and what feels like a personal

lagoon that stretches to a distant horizon. If I were on a honeymoon, this is where I’d want to be; as a place to escape the frenzy of civilization, though, my overwater home away from home offers immense promise, too.

Since the islands stretch out over abundant acreage, Niyama provides each guest with a bike.

One can always call for golf cart transport as an alternative to pedaling, but the childlike glee of bumping across sandy, jungle-lined trails can’t be underestimated. I cruise over the boardwalks, across the sand and down winding pathways.

Atop my two-wheeler, I cycle myself to Drift Spa (a haven of holistic and conventional rituals), where I meet with a visiting acupuncture specialist. I’ve chosen Niyama specifically for the peerless reputation of its spa. The Maldives, blessed with hundreds of notable private island resorts, offers countless fine spas, but award-winning Drift stands alone. Amid the jungle, facing the sea, it consists of six overwater treatment rooms and two garden suites. Signature treatments draw from local ingredients, such as Maldivian coral sand and island-crafted coconut oil to polish the skin. Renowned practitioners bring

LODGING FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES LANDAA GIRAAVARU Located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this private island hideaway has a globally renowned Ayurvedic center. Try the 7- to 14-day Ayurvedic immersion or the 21-day panchakarma detox.

Baa Atoll $$$$$ HUVAFEN FUSHI At this sumptuous resort on North Malé Atoll, submerge in the world’s only underwater spa.

De-stress with Maldivian

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herb-based rituals in four couple-sized treatment suites beneath the sea.

North Malé Atoll $$$$$ NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS MALDIVES As ideal for honeymooners as for families, this über-luxe Maldivian private island resort offers popular wellness weeks led by some of the world’s best-known holistic healing experts.

Olhuveli, Kudahuvadhoo Dhaalu Atoll $$$$$

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DINING BLU In a resort designed by acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Murad Ismail, it’s difficult to choose, but Blu on the beach with its sophisticated Italian cuisine reigns for both dining and décor.

Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll $$$$$ FEELING KOI Overwater Izakayastyle dining with a Latin twist turns tropical retreat dining into Japanese

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gastropub chic.

Don’t miss the saké menu.

Huvafen Fushi, North Malé Atoll $$$$$ SUBSIX Like dining inside an aquarium, and only accessible by boat, this unique venue serves an unforgettable Champagne brunch. Don’t expect to go at night, when the sea is dark.

Perfect for private parties.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Olhuveli, Kudahuvadhoo Dhaalu Atoll $$$$$

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healing treatments to the island for special wellness weeks, so guests can experience unique rituals from crystal therapy to epigenetic testing.

But I’m happiest in my house atop the waves, just gazing at the water.

Here, in mollycoddled Robison Crusoe mode, I feel sometimes like the last person on Earth — if I don’t count the abundant, vigilant staff in attendance. But despite being a castaway, I don’t have to procure my own food. In fact, I choose from nine restaurants, each nestled into its island nook. Many can be reached by bike. Blu sits by a pool, serving Mediterranean fare, and Nest, with its midjungle, treehouse motif, does Asian food. Niyama’s most captivating eatery, Edge, requires guests to board a boat. Edge lies less than a mile away on the verge of yet another private island. I arrive one evening, disembarking at dusk to find the sun a fiery ball slipping into the sea — nature’s dramatic crescendo. Here, with no other land mass in sight, the spectacle feels close enough to touch. But things get even better. Down a flight of stairs, Subsix awaits. Another eatery, this jaw-dropper redefines sense of place. A bar and restaurant set completely underwater, with floor-to-ceiling windows, the venue presents an ongoing marine life reality show.

Who needs to snorkel when you can see colorful fish with a martini in hand?

Niyama keeps offering up the fun. Blessed with one of the Maldives’ only actual surf breaks, the resort has a highly touted surfing school. Daily yoga and fitness classes tempt, as do cocktail making courses, sailing lessons and outings with a marine biologist who has an uncanny ability to intuit where the manta rays play. But Niyama’s true gift to guests is the endowment of lethargy, permission to do nothing and to take advantage of each day at a slower pace.

I can’t help wonder what Batuta would say about Niyama. I’m pretty sure he’d see the story … and want to tell it.

I do.

ISLAND SECLUSION:

Niyama’s islands of Chill and Play PHOTO: © NIYAMA

es aldiv M e ’s Th world e h t is lest smal im Musl . try coun is ol Alcoh le ab avail in only d ts an resor s. hotel

lgbtq+

Rainbow Relaxation Enjoy the rewards of a spa visit in destinations around the globe. BY MARK CHESNUT RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION are a revered part of many vacations. And road-weary LGBTQ+ travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to spas that roll out the rainbow carpet.

Long-time favorite destinations with LGBTQ+ globetrotters are, not surprisingly, rewarding places to find spas well-versed at serving the community. In Key West, for example, La Concha Hotel & Spa’s Top Spa features suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with inspiring views.

Farther north, in Miami Beach, Hotel Gaythering offers a rather randy, male-oriented approach to the spa experience, with a clothing-optional, men-only sauna and steam room. And the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa offers an upscale, all-welcome take with its Love Wins offer, available year-round and designed to tie in with international pride celebrations this month. The package includes a 50-minute couple’s massage at Si Spa among its amenities.

In Arizona, The Boulders Resort & Spa is a TAG-approved property (a designation indicating LGBTQ+-friendly tourism businesses) offering same-sex weddings, easily complemented by treatments in its 33,000-square-foot spa, with hydrotherapy, guided meditation and massages among the offerings. Couples looking for extra romance and pampering can reserve one of the 800-square-foot Spa Suites, complete with private shower, outdoor Jacuzzi and shower, private patio and outdoor fireplace.

Outside the United States, the variety of LGBTQ+-friendly spas is equally impressive. Consider the luxurious Westin Resort & Spa in gay-popular Puerto Vallarta, offering a spa with both indoor and outdoor treatment areas, and the trendy W Mexico City’s AWAY Spa, which bills itself as the only spa in Mexico City offering traditional temazcal treatments.

In the popular beach destination of Phuket, Thailand, travelers can check in to the posh Banyan Tree Phuket to indulge at the Spa Sanctuary, offering 50 free wellness activities every week, including enrichment workshops and herbal therapy. And Vabali Spa provides an

HARMONY AND HEALING: W Mexico City AWAY Spa temazcal (top), and The Spa at The Westin Puerto Vallarta PHOTOS: © W HOTELS, © WESTIN

expansive oasis of calm in Berlin, with wellness and experiences ranging from honey and fruit aromatherapy to a WellFit Kitchen that serves healthful cuisine. Spa getaways are, to be sure, one of the best ways to go home feeling better than when you left.

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aiport update

All’s Well in London London Heathrow Airport remains committed to community and environmental health. BY ERICH MARTIN

ONE OF THE BUSIEST AIRPORTS in the world lies just 14 miles west of Central London. London Heathrow Airport, the busiest in the United Kingdom, served more than 78 million passengers in 2017. In 2018 more than 80 million passengers passed through the airport.

The hub for British Airways, Heathrow might be the busiest airport around, but it also makes regular strides to improve the community and environmental well-being of those impacted by airport operations.

Heathrow’s community location puts it smack-dab in the middle of Hillingdon Borough. Over the years, the increase in air traffic volume through the airport has also increased the problem of noise for those who live nearby. Though the noise nuisance persists, awareness of the issue has become ingrained in the way the airport operates. Heathrow instituted a Fly Quiet and Green program to encourage airlines to take further steps independently to reduce noise and environmental impacts. Since the 1970s traffic doubled at Heathrow, but noise decreased by a factor of 10. The airport places tough restrictions on flights arriving at and departing from Heathrow, especially on night flights.

To maintain a positive reputation among the locals living around Heathrow and those in the aviation industry, the airport enforces strict guidelines for airlines flying through the airport. When an airline breaks

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a noise or operations restriction, Heathrow collects a fine. Those fines combine with money directly donated by the airport to benefit the community living around the site.

As part of the facility’s noise action plan through 2023, airport officials conducted research on the impact of prolonged noise on residents in the area. The results showed poor sleep hygiene, impacts to cardiovascular health, lowered cognitive development and higher levels of general annoyance. The airport makes continuous progress to improve the well-being of locals as well as the passengers and employees of the airport.

Incentives for quiet and green aircraft are a big hit. According to a recent statement from Heathrow Airport, the year following implementation of sustainability incentives was the greenest — and quietest — year on record. More modern aircraft, like Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s, are coming into Heathrow.

The incentives caused a ripple effect, as airlines that often fly through Heathrow are taking steps to modernize their fleets and take part in the rewards for flying green and quiet.

The airport looks to the future with an expansion on the horizon. In 2018 the British Parliament voted for the expansion of Heathrow which, if all goes well, will boost growth throughout the United Kingdom.

AIMING TO PLEASE:

London Heathrow Terminal 3 (above left) and Terminal 3 restaurant (above right) PHOTOS: © BRASILNUT - DREAMSTIME .COM, © BRASILNUT - DREAMSTIME .COM

London Heathrow Airport heathrow.com

health

Staying Well Vaccination remains the top priority for preventing the spread of the flu. BY MARY B. GALLAGHER, RN, MSN, CCRN

THE FLU, ALSO KNOW AS INFLUENZA, is a respiratory infection caused by several viruses. The viruses pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. Between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year. The flu can be serious or even deadly for elderly people, newborn babies, young children and individuals with certain chronic illnesses. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

There are two main types of influenza virus, type A and type B; they routinely spread to humans and cause seasonal flu epidemics each year. The flu differs from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly and presents with some or all of the symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.

While seasonal flu viruses are detected yearround in the United States, they are most common during the fall and winter. Flu activity often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and February or March; however, activity may last as late as May. In the temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, influenza typically occurs April to September. In the tropics, influenza occurs throughout the year.

Travelers in the Northern and Southern hemispheres can be exposed to influenza during months that fall outside of those listed above, especially when traveling as part of large tourist groups (as on cruise ships) that include people from areas of the world where influenza viruses are circulating. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, you should not travel. Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medica-

tions such as acetaminophen.

Most experts believe flu viruses spread by tiny droplets made when those with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths and noses of people nearby. Less often, people get flu from touching a surface with the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.

People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after the illness begins.

Some otherwise healthy adults may infect others beginning the first day, before symptoms develop, and up to five to seven days after becoming ill.

Children and people with weakened immune systems might be able to infect others for an even longer period.

Complications of flu include bacterial pneumonia; ear infections; sinus infections; and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, blood disorders, cardiac disease and neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Anyone can get flu, even healthy people, and serious complications can happen at any age.

Those at high risk of developing serious complications include people 65 years or older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and children younger than 5 years. Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities, Native Americans and Alaska natives are also at higher risk.

Your doctor diagnoses by performing a physical exam and possibly ordering a test that detects influenza viruses. A rapid influenza diagnostics test looks for substances (antigens) on a swab sample from the back of the nose or throat.

The most important step in preventing flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious complications that can result in hospital-

ization or even death. The Centers for Disease Control also recommend everyday preventative actions such as staying away from people who are ill, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

Flu vaccines cause protective antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. There are many different flu viruses which are constantly changing. The composition of U.S. flu vaccines is reviewed annually and updated to match circulating flu viruses. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three or four flu viruses CDC research indicates will be the most common during the upcoming season. The vaccine is delivered via a needle, usually in the arm.

The flu vaccine is available in several forms, but the most important thing is for all people ages 6 months and older to get the vaccine every year.

Quadrivalent (four-component) vaccines protect against a second lineage of type B viruses. The adjuvanted flu vaccine helps create a stronger immune response. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your health care professional.

Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often do not need to see a health care provider. If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your provider right away. Taking antiviral medications within the first 48 hours after your first symptoms may reduce the length of your illness and prevent serious problems. The flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective due to the various strains of the flu viruses. Follow smart safety measures to reduce the spread of infection: Wash your hands frequently, contain your coughs and sneezes and avoid crowds during flu season.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

JUNE 2019

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Wadi Rum — just the name sounds mysterious. Couple this with miles of golden-red-tinted sand stretching in every direction, camels, Bedouins, violent storms and fiery sunrises, and we’re beyond intrigued. Learn more about Wadi Rum next month as you read Bucket List: Camp at Wadi Rum, Jordan.

PHOTO: © ANTON PETRUS - DREAMSTIME.COM

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JUNE 2019

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